The full event listings for Wonder Women, running across Manchester 3–13 March 2016.
Not all events are on sale yet – follow Wonder Women on Facebook and Twitter for the latest ticketing information.
Thursday 3 March
EVENT. What IS She Wearing?
From the Suffragettes to Red Lipstick Day, the Slut Walks and the Pussy Riots to butch and drag, women have long utilised that which is used to restrict them to strive for freedom and an identity on their own terms. Through an evening of intersectional feminist debate, performance and film, Instigate Arts explore the aesthetics of protest and consider how clothing and style are used to shape, define and own gender, sexuality and identity. Manchester Art Gallery, 3 March, 5pm-8pm, free
EXHIBITION. Freedom or Death? The Women’s Suffrage Movement
John Rylands Library holds key archives of the women’s suffrage movement in early 19th century Britain. Join them as they look at original documents providing a captivating insight into the social and economic, as well as political position of women in the early twentieth century. John Rylands Library, 3 March, 2pm-3pm, free
EVENT. Wonder Women exhibition launch, and Teasers Pleasers
Celebrate the launch of the Wonder Women exhibition at Soup Kitchen, with work by emerging women artists, illustrators and photographers working in the city today hang in the kitchen throughout Wonder Women festival. Soup Kitchen residents Teasers Pleasers set the mood, playing records by women artists all night. Expect Yoko Ono, Laurie Anderson et al. Soup Kitchen, 3 March, 6pm- 12am, free
Friday 4 March
DISCUSSION. What are we chaining ourselves to the railings for today? A discussion on modern feminism
From the suffragettes to Pussy Riot, women have chained themselves to the railings in name of feminism across history. As part of the People’s History Museum’s look at modern feminism, they will discuss ways in which modern feminism could improve to include the voices of a more diverse range of women. What would women of colour, trans women, women of different faiths and gay and bisexual women chain themselves to the railings for? They will invite a number of women to give their views on the topic and then open up the discussion to the floor. Suitable for adults and young people. People’s History Museum, 4 March, 6pm-8pm, booking required, suggested donation £3
EVENT. 16 Days of Street Art Action: Free Art Friday
16 days of Street Art Action take part in the global Free Art Friday movement with 16 female artists from the North West taking to the streets, sharing a piece of original art work in a hidden location in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Each piece of art is inspired by a Wonder(ful) Woman. Check the 16 Days of Street Art Action Twitter and Facebook accounts for locations of the hidden art; the first person to find a piece of artwork, keeps it! Northern Quarter, Various locations, 4 March, 10am-5pm, free
TALK. Lightning Talks in The Study
Don your white coat for this talk in The Study at Manchester Museum, celebrating female ingenuity with incredible women from University of Manchester. This event is for adults. The Study at Manchester Museum, 4 March, 12pm-2pm, free (drop in)
Saturday 5 March
EXHIBITION. Who’s Your Wonder Woman?
Manchester has produced some remarkable women and these pioneering people have made a significant contribution to how we live our lives today. To celebrate this, John Rylands Library delve into their Special Collections to showcase the achievements of some of the city’s most innovative women. John Rylands Library, 5 March, 2pm-3pm, free
TALK. Remembering Mary Barbour – social reformer, rent strike leader, women’s peace crusader and pioneering woman councillor
Social reformer Mary Barbour worked tirelessly to change laws to help families in poverty. In this talk Catriona Burness discusses Barbour’s capacity to mobilise working class families, especially women, to challenge the power of landlords and the state during the 1915 Govan rent strike led to the passing of one of Europe’s first rent restriction acts. A discussion will focus on how Barbour’s work fighting for free school milk, children’s playgrounds, municipal wash-houses and an end to slum housing relate to current issues today. Working Class Movement Library, Salford, 5 March, 2pm-4pm, free
EVENT. Women in the First World War
A one-day symposium on women’s contributions to WWI. Activities include presentations on women’s writing, journalism and visual representations of women war workers, as well as creative workshops and a performance of wartime diaries and letters. A guided tour of the museum exhibitions will be followed by an evening reception. In partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University. Suitable for adults and young people over 11. People’s History Museum, 5 March, 10.30am-4.30pm, tickets £10/£20,
EVENT. The Fabric of Protest
What are the issues facing women in Manchester today? Participants will reflect on positive changes for women made over the last 100 years, and look at what needs to change for the future as we approach the 2018 centenary of women gaining the right to vote for the first time. Using a range of protest materials, including ribbons, rosettes, patches, flags and badges, artist Helen Mather will ask members of the public to contribute with their slogan for change. Individual voices will combine to produce a collective response to where women are today in society, producing a piece of art rich in ideas, materials and visual impact. This event has supported with a grant from Manchester City Council. Suitable for adults and young people. People’s History Museum, 5 March, 1pm-3pm, booking required, suggested £3 donation.
Sunday 6 March
FILM. Girlfriends
Lena Denham’s Girls’ and Frances Ha’s recent portraits of young women’s confusion and co-dependency have made a phenomenon out of a brand of New York neurosis that is distinctly female. But almost 40 years before these works, debut director Claudia Weill wrote and directed this woefully neglected gem about Susan, a struggling photographer who is forced to fend for herself when her roommate Anne decides to get married. This screening features an introduction and post-screening discussion led by Jemma Desai, the founder of I am Dora, a curatorial initiative that explores how women relate to one another through the medium of film. HOME, 6 March, 4.20pm. tickets £7/ £5 concessions.
MUSIC. Here Come the Grrrls: Showcase
Brighter Sound celebrates International Women’s Day with a showcase evening featuring performances from some of the many talented musicians they have worked with over the last twelve months. Over the course of an evening, they welcome back Wall of Sounds Beth Orton residency musicians, including Natalie McCool, Becca Williams, Elizabeth Vince, Avital Raz, Ione Mai, Gina Tratt, Fiona Soe Paing, Kayla Painter, Sonia Allori and Vanessa James. Band on the Wall, 6 March, 7pm, free, booking required.
EVENT. Badass Women On The Walls
Some of history’s best stories have been deliberately forgotten; this workshop brings back to life some of our most badass women. Work with the Digital Women’s Archive North, Dr Jenna Ashton and some of the best Northern female artists and tell the story of some of the worst behaved Northern women in history. The People’s History Museum will exhibit the art created in Manchester city centre throughout March to celebrate International Women’s Day. This event is A City Speaks workshop run by Symmetry Creative in collaboration with Wonder Women Festival and the People’s History Museum. Suitable for adults and young people. People’s History Museum, 6 March, 1pm-3pm, booking required, suggested £3 donation
Monday 7 March
EVENT. Women’s sexual pleasure workshop
Explore women’s sexual pleasure through the use of a range of materials and artefacts. Topics will include sexual stimulation and practices, physiological responses as well as orgasm and ejaculation. The workshop will conclude with an optional activity exploring solo or partnered masturbation and a ‘make your own sex toy’ session using everyday items and recycled materials. Suitable for self-identified women, aged 16 years and older. Spaces limited. Facilitators: Ali Hanbury and Rachael Eastham. Castlefield Gallery, 7 March, 6pm-8pm, free, booking is essential by email
EVENT. FLIM NITE presents Thelma and Louise
What would Thelma and Louise look like distorted by poets, comedians, and musicians? A re-telling of this classic film through an exciting mix of live art; each performer has been given a chunk of Thelma and Louise to turn into something new, transforming a kick-ass pro-feminist road movie into something unrecognisable, for your viewing pleasure. 3 Minute Theatre, 7 March, 7.30pm, Suggested donation £2
Tuesday 8 March – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
DISCUSSION. Men Are the Losers Now. Discuss Manchester in association with Guardian Live.
Young girls are increasingly told they can be whatever they’d like to be, but boys are still brought up in a culture that celebrates macho and ignores male depression. So, Are Men The Losers Now? A panel of speakers including performer, writer and transgender activist Kate O’Donnell, debate for and against this provocative motion, exploring the benefits of raising boys the same as girls, gender stereotyping and masculine pressures, the lag in encouraging boys into traditionally female-dominated industries and advances in IVF meaning women don’t need a male partner to conceive. What is it like growing up as a boy and how does this affect the progress of equality for women? People’s History Museum, 8 March, 6.30pm, booking required
PERFORMANCE. Living History performance: The Hard Way Up – A Suffragette’s Story
Celebrate International Women’s Day with a Living History performance based on the life of suffragette Hannah Mitchell, who spoke out for women and the poor and became a peace campaigner after World War I. Family Friendly event. Suitable for over 7s to adults. Peoples History Museum, 8 March, 1.15pm-2pm, booking required, suggested donation £3
EVENT. Dear Friend Letter-writing workshop
Dear Friend is an online letter-writing project celebrating women who stood up for others, both in the past and present. Write a letter to support a woman who inspired you or who made a difference in an area of equality, such as the fight against slavery, racial discrimination, or the ongoing fight for peace. This event also features a Living History performance, focussing on local councillor, suffragist, and peace campaigner Hannah Mitchell. People’s History Museum, 8 March, 2.15pm-4.15pm, free
TALK. Campaigners, Conductors and Canaries
This hour-long talk looks at the varied roles Salford women had during World War One, and how their lives changed during this time. Salford Museum and Art Gallery, 8 March, 11am, £2, no booking required
FILM. Born in Flames
Director Lizzie Borden’s skillful and provocative blending of art and activism achieved instant recognition as a seminal chapter in both independent and feminist film-making. The film is intended as a political discovery process and an attempt to show how a microcosm of black, white and Hispanic women could all come together to address issues of inequality within the context of the workplace and society as a whole. Highlighting the emerging feminist sensibility at the beginning of the Reaganite administration, it’s an allegorical tale that inventively and resourcefully draws upon elements of the science fiction genre. This screening will be introduced by Dr Monica Pearl, Lecturer in 20th Century American Literature at the University of Manchester. HOME, 8 March, 6.20pm, tickets £7/ £5 concessions
WALKING TOUR. Herstory
For generations, Manchester’s women have been at the forefront of social and economic change, yet their voices are rarely heard. This International Women’s Day walking tour celebrates some of Manchester’s most influential female exports, from Mabel Tylecote to Marie Stopes, Elizabeth Gaskell and the Pankhursts. Starting at All Saint’s Park, Oxford Road, 8 March, 2pm, free, booking required
Wednesday 9 March
EVENT. Maxine Peake’s Hamlet and Women in the Creative Industries
The British Council celebrates the role of women in the creative industries and explores how Shakespeare’s work can influence them with a screening of Sarah Frankcom’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic play, Hamlet. Starring Maxine Peake, this ultimate play is about loyalty, betrayal, love, murder and madness. A lively and thought-provoking panel discussion follows on the role of women in the creative industries. The panel encourages those present to critically explore gender roles and challenge the barriers that still exist. The British Council are asking for your help to stimulate some early discussion in return for a free ticket. Suggest a question for the panel or telling them why you think Hamlet is so relevant to the lives of women today. Please send email questions and comments to Amy Rogers. HOME, 9 March, time and tickets TBC
EXHIBITION. Freedom or Death? The Women’s Suffrage Movement
John Rylands Library holds key archives of the women’s suffrage movement in early 19th century Britain. Join them as they look at original documents providing a captivating insight into the social and economic, as well as political position of women in the early twentieth century. John Rylands Library, 9 March, 2pm-3pm, free
PERFORMANCE. Bridget Christie: A Book For Her
Why has Bridget Christie been sending her stained underpants to George Osborne at HM Treasury every month? Which method actor has been playing the character comedian Nigel Farage since 2010? Is Rachel Dolezal black or white? What’s the difference between Eddie Izzard and Caitlyn Jenner? All this and more will be revealed in Bridget’s tenth solo show, followed by a post-show book signing. The Lowry, 9 March, 8pm, tickets £18 plus booking fee
PERFORMANCE. Bryony Kimmings and Tim Grayburn: Fake It Til You Make It
Fake It Til You Make It is Bryony Kimmings’ new work about clinical depression and men… from two people who know all about it. Expect homemade music, stupid dancing, onstage arguments, real-life stories, tears and truths in this Edinburgh Fringe First Winner. A wickedly warming, brutally honest and heart-breaking show about the wonders and pitfalls of the human brain, being in love and what it takes to be a ‘real man’. A twist for Wonder Women with an event exploring how gender stereotypes manifest inhibitions in men. Contact, 9 March, 8pm, tickets £15/ £10 concessions
PERFORMANCE. Sandi Toksvig: Live! Politically Incorrect
Sandi Toksvig – comedian, novelist, actor, broadcaster, university chancellor, and (inter)national treasure, MC. She now finds herself in the startling position of having co-founded the UK’s fastest growing political party, the Women’s Equality Party. Sandi is celebrating the launch of the party with a fundraising tour of a uniquely witty evening of her stand-up, stories and fascinating facts. Sandi will entertain us solo for the first half of the evening and in the second she will introduce us to some special guests and ideas behind this exciting new venture. The Lowry, 9 March, 7.30pm, ticket £25.50 plus booking fee
Thursday 10 March
PERFORMANCE. Bryony Kimmings and Tim Grayburn: Fake It Til You Make It
Fake It Til You Make It is Bryony Kimmings’ new work about clinical depression and men… from two people who know all about it. Expect homemade music, stupid dancing, onstage arguments, real-life stories, tears and truths in this Edinburgh Fringe First Winner. A wickedly warming, brutally honest and heart-breaking show about the wonders and pitfalls of the human brain, being in love and what it takes to be a ‘real man’. A twist for Wonder Women with an event exploring how gender stereotypes manifest inhibitions in men. Contact, 10 March, 8pm, tickets £15/ £10 concessions
EVENT. Thursday Lates Wonder Women Takeover
An evening of music, literature and performance inspired by the Whitworth’s exhibitions, collections and spaces. Comedians, writers, performers and thinkers investigate feminist overtones of the gallery’s collection to curate an evening that provokes, subverts and satires identity, gender and sexuality. The Feminist Thursday Late will take over the gallery with conversations, performance, music and even an art pub quiz. Whitworth, 10 March, 6pm-9pm, free
TALK. The portrayal of women in Victorian Art
This talk and tour investigates the depictions of women in Victorian items throughout the collection and on display in the Victorian Gallery. Salford Museum and Art Gallery, 10 March, 11am-2pm, £2, no booking required
EVENT. Written in The Margins
Manchester Jewish Museum opens its doors to celebrate female writers in an evening of hands-on workshops, live music, performance and discussion. Stuart Maconie chairs Brighter Sound’s panel of journalists and musicians discussing how gender has become a genre and the impact of written media on female representation. Artist Cherry Styles invites audiences to get creative with a hands-on zine workshop, acclaimed poet Clare Pollard performs her version of Ovid’s ‘Heroines’ and Serafina Steer debuts an original piece of music inspired by Pollard’s poems, commissioned by Brighter Sound. Age limit 15+. Manchester Jewish Museum, 10 March, 6pm, tickets £3 advance, £5 OTD
WALKING TOUR. Herstory
For generations, Manchester’s women have been at the forefront of social and economic change, yet their voices are rarely heard. This International Women’s Day walking tour celebrates some of Manchester’s most influential female exports, from Mabel Tylecote to Marie Stopes, Elizabeth Gaskell and the Pankhursts. Starting at All Saint’s Park, Oxford Road, 10 March, 2pm, free, booking required.
Friday 11 March
EXHIBITION. No job for a man! Midwives versus The Medical Men
Explore the Medical Manuscripts Collection at John Rylands Library and discover the attitudes and practices of early 18th and 19th century midwifery and in particular the fascinating rise of the ‘man midwife’. John Rylands Library, 11 March, 2pm-3pm, free
EVENT. Girl Gang Manchester #1: Mean Girls
For one night only, Ancoats’ Hope Mill Theatre is transformed into North Shore’s Spring Fling for an immersive screening of Mean Girls. Complete with interactive elements from the film such as a Reclaim Your Shame Anti-Burn Book and a candy cane post box, the event includes a variety of creative and empowering workshops. The Ultimate Mean Girls Quiz, a mini market of local female-run businesses, a film introduction, pop-up performances, Girl Gang’s trademark party bags and a female power anthem danceathon keep the event going into the early hours. Awarded Best Single Event at the national Cinema for All Awards after its first outing in Sheffield, Girl Gang journeys to Manchester, completely re-made with a local team of female creatives. Hope Mill Theatre, 11 March, 6.30pm-2am, tickets £12, booking required
EVENT. Drawing Strength: Costumed Life Drawing and Contemporary Interventions
Bury Art Museum stays open into the night in this unique event inspired by International Women’s Day. Celebrating inspirational and trailblazing women, the museum will be holding costumed life drawing sessions, one day displays, specially focused guided tours and more over the course of one evening. Bury Art Museum, 11 March, 5pm-8pm, free
Saturday 12 March
EVENT. Dear Friend Letter-Writing workshop
Dear Friend is an online letter-writing project celebrating women who stood up for others, both in the past and present. Explore the Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays archive, learn the stories of the women who supported their relatives and LGBT allies and write a letter to the women who’ve made a difference in your life. This workshop is designed for young people aged 14-25. Manchester Central Library, 12 March, 2pm-4pm, free
PERFORMANCE. The Hard Way Up
The People’s History Museum presents ‘The Hard Way Up – a Suffragettes Story’ in the setting of Lark Hill Place at Salford Museum and Art Gallery. Celebrate International Women’s Day with a Living History performance based on the life of suffragette Hannah Mitchell, who spoke out for women and the poor and became a peace campaigner after World War I. Please note the audience will be mainly standing for the performance. Salford Museum and Art Gallery, 12 March, 11am-2pm, £2, no booking required
EVENT. Sugar and Spice 10: Women Out Loud
Sugar & Spice is Manchester’s annual free International Women’s Day celebration for lesbian and bisexual women at LGBT Foundation with two days of networking, workshops, discussions, creativity and cake. LGBT Foundation and various venues, 12 March, free
Sunday 13 March
EVENT. Girls in the Game
Sunday 13th March – Girls in the Game
An introductory coding workshop for young people looking into the science of computer gaming. Taking inspiration from the success of the England Ladies in 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, girls football team, coding clubs, Brownies and museum visitors are invited to use computer coding to put girls at the heart of football games and celebrate all that women and girls have achieved so far in computer coding. National Football Museum, 13 March, 11am-4pm, free, ages 6 – 11, limited places.
EVENT. Sugar and Spice 10: Women Out Loud
Sugar & Spice is Manchester’s annual free International Women’s Day celebration for lesbian and bisexual women at LGBT Foundation with two days of networking, workshops, discussions, creativity and cake. LGBT Foundation and various venues, 13 March, free
Make It Happen City Centre Trail
Celebrate International Women’s Day with Green Badge Tour Guide, Suzanne Hindle, on a walking tour around Manchester city centre. Uncover the stories of historical and modern Manchester women and find out about their contribution to harmony through radicalism, war effort, nursing, science and community work. Suitable for over 10s. People’s History Museum, 13 March, 2pm-4pm, booking required, suggested donation £3
Throughout
THEATRE. Husbands and Sons
Interweaving three of DH Lawrence’s greatest dramas, Husbands & Sons introduces us to the village of Eastwood, which sits in the shadow of the great Brinsley pit. Its heroes are the women – the wives, mothers and daughters trying to hold their families and their own souls together. Directed by Marianne Elliott and featuring Anne-Marie Duff. Royal Exchange Theatre, 19 Feb-19 March, tickets £10/£16
EXHIBITION. Feminism is Dead
This exhibition examines the different portrayals of what it means to be a feminist in modern society, including the idea that it is ‘man hating’. It will look at what it really means to be a feminist in 2016 and the issues that feminists are fighting for and against. It aims to disprove the idea that feminism is no longer necessary. People’s History Museum, 3-31 March, 10am-5pm, free
EXHIBITION. Big-Up Female Boffins
As part of the Manchester Science City 2016 celebrations, Warp & Weft use the power of crochet to champion the achievements of female scientists. They will be Yarnbombing four of the male statues on the ground floor of Manchester Town Hall with masks representing female Mancunian boffins. Flying a ‘BIG-UP FEMALE BOFFINS’ banner, Warp & Weft highlight women’s varied contributions to science despite the barriers in their way. Stargazing statistician Kathleen Ollerenshaw; pioneering Egyptologist Margaret Murray; the botanist who saved Japan’s sushi industry, Kathleen Drew-Baker; and founder of Manchester Babies Hospital Dr Catherine Chisholm will all been celebrated. Manchester Town Hall, 1-31 March, free
EXHIBITION. Women’s Voices Changing Manchester
To reflect and mark International Women’s Day, Manchester collective Crafters Inc. proudly present an exhibition celebrating the diverse and distinct voices of female Manchester-based artists, both empowering and empowered through making. A diverse background of artists exhibits a range of disciplines from fine art and photography, to graphic design and jewellery art. Manchester Craft and Design Centre, 5-11 March, free
EXHIBITION. Wonder Women
An exhibition of emerging women artists, illustrators and photographers working in the city today hang in Soup Kitchen throughout Wonder Women festival. Soup Kitchen, 3-13 March, free