Big shout-out to all my sisters around the world…the women who lead, the woman who create, the women who inspire. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to meet so many fabulous talented women who have brought joy to my life as well as helped educate and inform me. I reached out to a number of women who have left a tangible imprint on my current life so I asked them to offer up their thoughts, their own inspirations and how they live their lives in such a positive and engaging fashion….here is what they said.
So many women throughout history across multiple disciplines spring to mind but it is anthropologist Margaret Mead whose words remain embedded in my consciousness, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” We all do what we can to make the world a better place and my films are built on frameworks that speak to truth, understanding, forgiveness, love and reconciliation…with a bit of action, adventure and fun thrown in. Art is where thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. And the beauty is we can all do it. ~ Victoria Wharfe-McIntyre, Australian film director, writer and producer (below)
Throughout my life, I have been inspired by the amazing women around me – their resilience, spirit, and strength in facing and overcoming changes while caring for others. The sister bond of support and encouragement, working together, sharing our stories – there are too many to mention. I remember my mother teaching me stories through singing our Anmatyerr song lines for as long as I can remember. Mum would sing songs about our family dreamtime stories and told stories by drawing symbols in the sand. This deep connection to my culture and heritage is reflected in my song ‘Heading Home’ where I sing: ‘Lying in my mother’s arms feeling safe and sound. She sang of Tjukurpa and her Homeland as she drew in the sand.’ These experiences have profoundly shaped who I am as an artist and a woman, carrying forward the ancestral storytelling traditions that continue to inspire my work. ~ Rhubee Neale, Indigenous Australian artist (below)
When I think about the women artists who’ve influenced me, my practice and my work the most, I’m seeing that they influenced me by being welcoming and supportive in addition to being talented artists with their established practices. Though I was a newbie, Irina Schestakowich immediately treated me as a fellow artist, sharing opportunities, materials and introducing me to her contacts. Being part of a community provided a foundation to anchor my practice. Though I met Janet F. Potter through painting, she’s shown me that following the muse to the craft side is another way of expressing our vision. Paper, textiles, rocks, sticks are as important as paint to her work. Learning from Janet I’ve incorporated textiles and whimsy into my work. I learned to trust and follow my muse. I hope my work inspires artists to trust their instincts, find the community that will support them. They should create what they’re inspired to create and trust that the audience will find them and value them. In other words, do the work you’re inspired to do and trust that the world needs it and wants it. ~ Nancy Bennett, Canadian artist at Labatt Studio, Toronto (below)
To start with, I’d like to share one of my favourite quotes….I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. Also in singing, especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed.” ~ Mary Oliver, US poet. As a musician and composer, I appreciate her philosophy which continues to inspire me on a daily basis. She is known for her poignant observations of the natural world. Her work has a romanticism that refuses to acknowledge the boundaries between nature and the observing self. I think the natural world is the essence of creativity in its purest form. ~ Petra Salsjö, Australian film & tv composer (below)
I owe who I am today to my mother, Rasheda Islam—an amazingly strong and resilient woman, a trailblazer far ahead of her time in a traditional and conservative society. In the 1960s, she raised me to think for myself, ask questions, and speak my mind without fear of judgment. She also taught me never to let traditional norms define me as a girl/woman. Her wisdom and guidance taught me to stay grounded in my values and navigate challenges with patience, calmness and prudence. She was always poised, proper and well spoken, respected by everyone around her. After pausing her education to care for a young family, my mother returned to university to complete her Master’s in Literature followed by a degree in Education. She started her teaching career after becoming a grandmother—showing me that it’s never too late to follow your passion. Although she is no longer physically present, she remains my greatest source of inspiration, empowering me to embrace new beginnings, pursue my artistic passion, and dedicate myself to healing and sharing my teachings with others. She was, is, and always will be, my true mentor and guiding angel. – Tanzina Amin, artist, teacher & gallerist (below) 
Women possess the power of the universe but it’s up to women to understand how it works. Successful women use that power. ~ Adonay, recording artist, songwriter & business woman (below)
So all these wonderful women have contributed to my personal happiness by sharing their talents and own personal joys. Thank you, ladies. But who was my earliest inspiration growing up as a little girl in the West Australian bush? Hmmm….well, I spent hours in the local library learning about history (yes, I was a bit of a geek even back then) and was always intrigued by a warrior woman who changed history – Boudica, Queen of the Iceni, who took on the occupying Romans who had slaughtered her tribe, killed her husband and raped her daughters in 61 AD. 
She took up arms, rallied her tribe and lead a revolt against the occupying Roman troops, raising towns and settlements as she headed towards Londinium (London). She set the most western outpost of the Roman Empire ablaze! Sadly, she was killed and the Iceni were conquered and absorbed into the main population of the British Isles. All this took place near where I was born and where both sides of my family originated (there’s even a town called Fordham in Essex county). So here’s to all the Boudicas out there continuing the fight against oppression, cruelty, misogyny and the path of destruction and bullshit created mostly by men. HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!
To accommodate those with mobility issues, a shortened PWYC version has been added at an accessible venue: the Performing Arts Lodge – 4 of the 7 plays will be presented. PAL is located at 110 The Esplanade, Toronto on April 10 at 7pm
Women at Play(s) was created in 2005 by Artistic Director Marianne Sawchuk (pictured below) to provide a creative outlet for women playwrights, directors and actors. It was conceived to inspire artistic achievements in theatrical performance for women. WaP is a grassroots artist profit shared organization that showcases women of all diversities, 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive, from Gen Z to Silver Foxes for an audience of those who want to experience a variety of great theatre.
For the seventh Women at Play(s) 7, non-binary actors have also been welcomed into the collective. Women at Play(s) had 3 successful shows in Vancouver where WaP 3 broke the Jericho Arts Centre’s house record on closing night and had, so far, 3 successful shows in Toronto where it has managed to survive the pandemic. In 2023, Marianne Sawchuk was honored with a Playwrights Guild of Canada Tom Hendry “Bra D’Or” nomination for her ongoing support of women playwrights in Canada.
