News Story
This autumn I’m taking to the road with The WOW Show , a slice of the fun , vibrancy and inspirational stories that people look forward to when they come to any of the WOW Festivals across the globe.
What sparked the idea for WOW show and the WOW foundation?
I started the WOW - Women of the World festivals in 2010 as a celebration of everything that had been achieved through history and is happening now because of amazing girls and women not taking ‘no’ for an answer. I wanted WOW to be for everyone , all ages, all backgrounds, all genders.
I wanted to confront obstacles and taboos with candid uplifting conversations and performances and I also wanted to encourage everyone to get involved in change . Nearly 15 years later it’s in so many countries and communities all over the world . It’s amazing. I was the Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre when I founded WOW .. and 5 years ago I left there to launch the charity The WOW Foundation and it’s been an amazing fast moving time ever since.
The WOW Festivals have spread across every continent and some places such as Pakistan, Nepal, Turkey, Indigenous communities can have very obvious disadvantages. But every place, Australia, USA, Manchester, all share many of the same problems even if the cultures look different on the surface.
How do we affect change?
We really believe that to change society’s attitudes , ordinary people, ordinary families, have to see things in new ways. Laws, and policies are critical of course, but what really counts is the attitudes and beliefs of communities. Because WOW is able to reach millions of people in informal public situations and provide a platform for ideas and celebration and a positive experience, we know that new projects are formed, alliances are made, knowledge is shared and there’s a visible shift in bias and entrenched beliefs. We set out to build optimism and determination so that individuals and communities can belief in their ability to make change happen.
What can the audience expect?
The WOW Show will be upbeat, stimulating and thought provoking. I roam through many subjects, some suggested by the audience themselves and talk quite candidly about some of the tough situations I’ve encountered in my years and also some of the amazing women I’ve met.
I’ll be interviewing a ‘local hero’ who’ll share their story of challenges and triumphs and I’ll be seeking out members of the audience who have a tale to tell.
How do you develop the WOW show and what key messages would you like to share with your audience?
The show is being developed in my head all the time through conversations I’m having, books I’m reading and what happening in the world at the moment. I want the audience to really enjoy the idea of the amazing world we’ll have when we have real equality. It may sound romantic but unless you have strong dreams then change won’t happen. I also really belief laughter is as important as serious debate. We have to want a joyful future for everyone.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Chippy Theatre – have you ever been before, do you have a connection to the area?
I toured to Chippy in 1979 when I was a young director of Solent Peoples Theatre. That’s a very long time ago! It’s about time I came back ! I’m really looking forward to it.
