The LOS ANGELES WOMEN'S
THEATRE FESTIVAL was founded
in 1993 by Adilah Barnes and
Miriam Reed. Through art, it contributes to the
well-being of the greater Los Angeles community
by providing arts programming that includes original
works by multicultural women solo artists that
entertain, illuminate and mirror.
Performers have
included award-winning Jude Narita and Edie McClurg.
Diverse themes have embraced such topics as love,
rape, family, homophobia, folklore and racism.
In 1995, the Festival established its Annual Theatre
Awards (Eternity, Integrity, Maverick and Rainbow).
It has bestowed these prestigious awards on deserving
women such as the late Beah Richards and Beulah
Quo, Carmen Zapata, Charlayne Woodard and Lee Meriwether.
Through its Wisdom Wednesdays outreach educational
programming, it develops and produces new works
that empower solo artists and their livelihood
by creating their own vehicles. Through its after
school Arts Education Program, it unlocks creativity,
increases self-esteem and combats violence in youth.
The Festival partners with both Creative Kids and
Enrichment Works to reach youth in schools. The
Festival also produces a star-studded Annual Mother's
Day musical event, "Melodies in Motion" that
celebrates motherhood.
Performers have included
Freda Payne, Dawnn Lewis and Tata Vega. In 2002,
the Festival crossed media by creating a public
access television show, "Los Angeles Women's
Theatre Festival: On The Air!," hosted
by Marla Gibbs, that has reached thousands of Los
Angeles audiences and now that it is streamed on
the internet, reaches countless audiences around
the globe. The Festival’s Honorary Chairpersons
are Danny Glover and Hattie Winston.
