Kevin August 20th, 2024
We see it in documented battles waged by real-life suffragettes and activists such as Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth and feel it channeled through our favorite fictional heroines - in the ongoing fight for women's equality, there's nothing better than watching a woman who simply refuses to be sidelined take center stage.
August 26th marks National Women's Equality Day, to celebrate, let's take a look at all of the fierce female characters who inspire us every day!
Shimmy Shimmy, it's the Roaring Twenties! Roxie Hart isn't your typical role model, she's a fascinating study of how women can navigate and manipulate a system rigged against them. Roxie is a wannabe vaudeville star who finds herself in jail for murder. But instead of letting the justice system chew her up and spit her out, she uses her wits and a savvy lawyer to turn herself into a media sensation. Did someone say iconic?
She may not be popular, but she certainly challenges the status quo, and she's all about sticking it to the man! In a world where difference is feared, Elphaba dares to confront the corruption of the men around her. Her journey from a misunderstood outcast to a powerful revolutionary is filled with heartache, courage, wicked incantations, and moments of self-realization. Elphaba shows the power of embracing who we are, even if it makes others uncomfortable.
If there's one woman who knows how to live life on her own terms, it's Donna Sheridan from Mamma Mia! As a single mother running a business and raising a daughter on a picturesque Greek island, Donna is the epitome of independence and self-sufficiency. Her story is a celebration of female friendship, resilience, and the freedom to define life on one's terms.
Elsa is a woman who truly learns how to let it go! As she learns to embrace her unique abilities, Elsa also confronts the societal pressures and fears that have kept her isolated. Frozen is a powerful story about the importance of self-love and the courage to stand up for who you are, even when it means breaking away from expectations. Elsa's transformation from a fearful princess to a confident queen is a reminder that true equality begins with believing in oneself.
Tina Turner is not just a rock 'n' roll icon; she's a symbol of strength and resilience. TINA The Tina Turner Musical chronicles her rise to fame, her fight to escape an abusive relationship, and her determination to reclaim her life and career. Tina's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, and her triumph over adversity continues to inspire women to fight for their voices to be heard.
What if Juliet didn't die at the end of Shakespeare's classic? & Juliet explores that very question, reimagining her story as one of empowerment and self-discovery. In this fresh take, Juliet rewrites her own narrative, breaking free from the tragic fate that was written for her and instead choosing her own path. It's a bold statement about taking control of your destiny and rewriting the rules.
Deloris Van Cartier is no ordinary lounge singer - she's a woman who finds herself hiding in a convent after witnessing a crime. In Sister Act, Deloris transforms a group of nuns and herself, turning their quiet world upside down with her vibrant spirit and determination. Her story is one of courage, community, and the idea that sometimes, shaking things up is exactly what's needed to bring about change.
Hermione Granger has always been a symbol of intelligence, bravery, and equality, and in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, she continues to shine. As the Minister of Magic, Hermione exemplifies the power of women in leadership roles. She's a reminder that intelligence and hard work are powerful tools in the fight for equality, and her character shows that women can be both nurturing and fierce leaders, capable of changing the world.
So this is Dickens, with magic. It's the real deal, live in front of you, so much better than any film could be.
