A new play premiering on the South Coast is shining a light on the experiences of women around the world, both good and bad. Karyl Lynn Burns is Artistic Director for Ventura’s Rubicon Theater Company, which is staging “Women Beyond Borders.” Burns says it’s inspired by an art project created in Santa Barbara in the 1990’s.
Lorraine Serena and Elena Siff had the idea of sending 200 small wooden boxes to women in 15 countries, with the idea that female artists would add their interpretation to them. Many came back with poems, and stories.
Burns says they came up with the concept of turning the project into a play years ago, but’s taken more than two decades for it to happen.
The play features a rotating cast of five women, who read the script from five stools on stage. With “Women Beyond Borders” running through early June, the multiple casts include a number of Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony Award winners.
Director Jenny Sullivan says what makes it interesting for audiences is that with so many strong women in the production, it will evolve over its run.
Burns says she hopes the production gives people new insight into the lives of women around the world. It tackles everything from serious subjects like the Rwandan genocide to lighter topics, like some women’s obsession with shoes.
“Women Beyond Borders” has its world premiere April 27th at the Rubicon Theater in downtown Ventura. It runs through June 2nd.
