International Women’s Day 2021 #ChoosetoChange
This year’s theme for international women’s day #ChooseToChange, asks us to challenge inequality in order to forge an inclusive world. Here at ICTheatre we pride ourselves in taking responsibility when it comes to diversity and equality, whether that is within our faculty, student base or industry connections. We are founded by incredible women and they are at the forefront of what we do.
We are inspired every day by the incredible women who have taken our industry by storm. For IWD this year we asked our staff and students to share their inspiration with us, choosing a woman from the entertainment industry who has inspired them in their life and career. These women are the ones making changes in our industry today. Celebrate and get inspired with us:
KERRY WASHINGTON “Activist, actor, producer and director. She is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, she encourages young people to vote and she’s also a member of V-Day which is a movement bringing awareness to violence against women and girls. Not to mention an incredible actress nominated for so many awards. Her performance in Little Fires Everywhere was incredible and I think about it a lot.”
SARAH BERNHARDT
“While researching the history of cross dressing in theatre, I discovered that the first ever person to play Hamlet on screen was the French actress Sarah Bernhardt in a film called “The Duel of Hamlet” in 1900.”
CYNTHIA ERIVO “Her dedication to the arts inspires me. She started off as ensemble and built her way up. She continues to grow and not just settle.”
“The voice of an angel. I’ve never heard anything like it. She is so dedicated and inspiring”
EVA NOBLEZADA “She started her debut to the West End in ‘Miss Saigon’ at such a young age and has since then been working consistently in musicals across West End and Broadway! She is an amazing mental health ambassador and has recently been in a movie portraying an Asian immigrants perspective on music and prejudice against her. She is always using her platform to fight for the right things”
AMERICA FERRERA “She is an amazing actress and inspiration to many. She was the first Latina women to win the outstanding lead actress award. She also breaks down stereotypes by using comedy and portraying strong women in all her shows”
DAME VICTORIA WOOD “– a genius of observation – The most accomplished people watcher of all time. Instinctive, authentic and hilarious. I miss her.”
“For being so funny at a time when funny women had to fight so hard to get their voices heard. She led the way. So funny, so warm, so clever so creative. And always so much integrity. A life too short but one that gave so many pleasure.”
MICHAELA COEL “What she stands for, her writing, her story telling and acting are completely astonishing. Netflix tried to buy ‘I May Destroy You’ from her but she refused as she wanted her story told as accurately and truly as possible. That to me says a lot about the person she is and her beliefs! Also she is literally stunning!”
TINA FEY & AMY POEHLER “They rose through the improv. world during a male dominated era to the point of being the bosses. They write sitcoms, movies and books, they perform, produce and Amy Poehler has also set up her Smart Girls Organisation which is – “dedicated to helping young people cultivate their authentic selves. We emphasise intelligence and imagination over “fitting in.” We celebrate curiosity over gossip. We are a place where people can truly be their weird and wonderful selves. We are funny first, and informative second, hosting the party you want to attend.” – Amazing, funny, intelligent role models for a whole new generation – what more could you ask for!”
LUPITA NYONG’O “Her performance in Us… Wow, just incredible and inspiring! An absolute gem of a women and so full of talent!!”
RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY “I’m gonna say it, one of the coolest down to earth people in existence, her role as Angelica Schuyler changed the way I saw theatre – musical theatre, elevated it.”
PATTI LUPONE “She takes no prisoners and knows her worth.”
PARIS GOEBEL “Choreographer for artists such as Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Ciara and more. I love Paris Goebel because she paves the way for female choreographers in the industry and really highlights female dancer versatility. One highlight which inspires me is the Savage X Fenty show she choreographed, where the level of creativity and detail was ridiculous! Not to mention, the Royal family being one of the tightest dance groups.”
GLENNON DOYLE “I have been so inspired by the writer Glennon Doyle, she reminds us that “we can do hard things” and basically this quote from her book Untamed says it all.”
“When women lose themselves, the world loses its way. We do not need more selfless women. What we need right now is more women who have detoxed themselves so completely from the world’s expectations that they are full of nothing but themselves. What we need are women who are full of themselves. A woman who is full of herself knows and trusts herself enough to say and do what must be done. She lets the rest burn.”
MARISHA WALLACE “She always finds a way to be positive, she never gives up, she always helps people online by posting tips and tricks for singing”
DOLLY PARTON “She is proud to be who she is and embraces her individuality, she is generous supporting many charities and brings joy and smiles to us through her performance and presence.“
VIOLA DAVIS “Without a doubt, she gave 6 seasons of astonishing performances in ‘How to get Away with Murder’. So graceful and humble too – truly inspiring”
AMBER RILEY “Whenever she opens her mouth I’m sure she forgets she’s human, both on screen and on stage. She’s a gift and never fails to move me whenever I witness her greatness”
TEREZA THEODOULOU “She is the reason I wanted to become a teacher. Her passion for learning and passing on as much of that knowledge as she can, is infectious. She inspired me as a trainee teacher and continues to inspire me to be the best I can. She’s funny, engaging, intuitive and nurturing, all skills that suit our creative subject of dance.”
MARGOT ROBBIE “I think she’s just insane and really has brought us so many different characters on screen. ‘Birds of Prey’ is amazing.”
JONI MITCHELL
“She has been a part of me since first heard her when I was around 15 years old. Her lyrics are pure poetry but it has always felt like she was talking about my feelings. I think through her music (and Shakespeare) I have learnt the most about people (myself) being full of contradictions… and that it’s more than fine to be.”
CICELY BERRY “A tour de force. Brilliant, funny, and bold.”
BARBRA STREISAND “I just wanted to be her! I would listen to her albums over and over and try to sound like her (note ‘try’!). She is a strong passionate women who fights for what she believes in and I admire her.”
