Joe’s Pub Presents: Women of Letters
Last month the wonderful Co-Producer (Trish Nelson) of Women of Letters at Joe’s Pub had me as her guest. I wasn’t at all prepared for what I would experience and be apart of that night. The show brings 6 women from all backgrounds to share letters they have written for that night on a specific topic. For the November’s installment of the series the amazing guests wrote and then read letters to their “Could Have Beens.” What makes this show particularly special, outside of the genuineness of each of its’ guests, is that this show it isn’t recorded and this is the only place these letters are read. It is a truly ‘of the moment’ and intimate.
Image via Women of Letters
Although the show was originally formed in Australia by Michaela McGuire and Marieke Hardy, it has found an engaged and dedicated audience here in NYC. Trish Nelson and BanterGirl have brought this show to the forefront of Joe’s calendar every month and regularly sell out.
Each show is hosted by the plucky Sofija Stefanovic, whose humor and warmth perfectly encapsulate the what Women of Letters is all about. Last month I was particularly moved by Lucy Alibar, screenwriter of Beasts of the Southern Wild. Lucy’s letter was to her ‘could have been’ if she became her mother.
Image via Women of Letters
This month Part 11 will be on Wednesday, December 9th. This new batch of ladies will bring their ardent words back to the stage reading ‘A Letter to my Greatest Gift.’
The line will include:
Beloved actress for film, television and stage, MAMIE GUMMER
Bestselling author of The Vacationers, EMMA STRAUB
Poet and author of Lighting the Shadow, RACHEL ELIZA GRIFFITHS
Acclaimed standup comedian, MICHELLE BUTEAU
Managing editor of feminist blog Jezebel, ERIN RYAN
Radio, television journalist, and author of First Class, ALISON STEWART
Another amazing aspect of the show is that proceeds from Women of Letters are donated to a different charity each month. These awesome women have been able to raise over $750,000 globally to date. December’s charity is New York’s own Millay Colony, which provides residencies to six visual artists, writers and composers aiding them in pursuing and improving art in all mediums.
Image via Women of Letters
Women of Letters has also attracted the attention of many well known lady quests from all disciplines. A few veterans who’ve shared their tales include: Molly Ringwald, Jean Grae, Megan Amram, Martha Wainwright, Kathleen Turner, Aparna Nancherla, Siri Hustvedt, Edie Falco, Susan Orlean, Alexis Okeowo, Mara Wilson, Amanda Palmer, Melissa Auf Der Maur, Suki Kim, JD Samson, Tavi Gevinson, Stoya, Ophira Eisenberg, Yael Stone, Jena Malone, Jenny Eliscu and many more.
The next time you are looking for an engaging, funny, and earnest night out consider Women of Letters. It’s absolutely worth $20, and I guarantee at these one of these gals (if not all) will move you in some way.
I left feeling inspired and connected with a room of women I have never met. You share a truthful collective experience with and get a real charge from such an outstanding community.
Women of Letters Next Show:
December 9th – Door 6PM, Show 7PM
Joe’s Pub – 425 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003
Follow on Twitter: @WOL_NYC
