Wild Women's Performing Arts Festival

Angela Lytle performing at the WWPAF 2008

We will empower women and change the world! It might sound too ambitious, but it is not impossible. For far too long, women’s voices have been marginalized and drowned out, but there are those who are taking steps to give voice and support to the Korean Woman.

Some may be unaware of the challenges that women face in Korea, yet closer examination reveals the deep social and economic disparities between men and women. Great progress has been made with consideration to legal and policy changes for women. And yet still, in every aspect of Korean society far too many Korean women, whether at work or home, are still denied the same liberties and opportunities that their male counterparts enjoy.

Rebecca Cant, one of the co-founders of the Wild Women's Festival, witnessed the plight of women in Korea and summarizes her feelings thusly: “Currently there are thousands of women and men working hard to achieve gender equality, but they are unsupported and in certain ways undermined by the current administration. For example, the Ministry of Gender Equality was effectively dissolved last year [when it was] merged with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and had its funding drastically cut. [With] Korea currently ranked 115th of 135 countries in the World Economic Forum's annual Global Gender Gap, this kind of [action] makes it glaringly obvious that women are pretty low on the Korean government’s list of priorities.”

Fortunately, there is the Korean Women’s Associations United (KWAU). The KWAU is
an umbrella organization that unites over 40 organizations such as anti sex-trafficking groups, the Korean Women’s Hotline and agencies for disabled women. The KWAU also tirelessly lobbies for equal rights for women, regardless of race or sexual orientation in Korea.

And how can everyday people do their part to confront gender equality issues in Korea? Rebecca Cant and Angela Lytle have created one way. They decided to organize the first Wild Women’s Performing Arts Festival in January 2009 to create a space for female performers and celebrate the very essence of womanhood. With all proceeds going to the KWAU, the Festival empowers woman in two ways: Giving female performers the rare chance to headline an event and providing financial support to an organization that provides critical services for women throughout Korea. For their event, Cant and Lytle have reclaimed the term “Wild,” which Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D. describes as a term of empowerment. According to Lytle, “‘Wild Woman’ is meant to be reclaiming, to be tongue in cheek - redefining a ‘wild woman’ in our own terms, [and] not how the media or the stereotypical or supposed ‘male gaze,’ does on a regular basis. 'Wild' in the sense of primordial, [of a woman] connected to herself sexually, emotionally, spiritually empowered and beautiful in her uniqueness.”

The bi-annual Wild Women's Performing Arts Festival strikes a careful balance between activism and performing arts. In doing so, it celebrates the female spirit and encourages women to challenge the rigid and established roles that all too often, society would force them into. The Festival showcases the creativity of the female spirit through a variety of performances from female poets, musicians, storytellers and dancers.

The 3rd Wild Women's Festival is being held on Saturday, February 27th as a precursor to International Women’s Day (IWD) on Monday, March 8th. International Women's Day is an annual event celebrated around the world and endorsed by the United Nations. In many countries it is even celebrated as a national holiday.

The beautiful Mong Hwan in Shinchon is the chosen venue for the 3rd Wild Women's Performing Arts Festival. It consists of three uniquely and artistically designed floors. Bands, spoken-word artists and dancers will be featured on separate floors and a silent auction will showcase the works of local photographers and painters. The theme for the silent auction is "Women: Strength, Beauty, Unity." In addition, a DJ session will keep people dancing until the early morning.

Expect to see stunning performances from Orgeltanz and Dringe Augh (from Korea’s premier indie label Electric Muse) Bigbabydriver, Oriental Lucy, and various other spoken-word artists and dancers.

So do your part to support the struggle for gender equality! Join us to ensure that young Korean women will have a brighter and safer future, one where they are free to pursue the hopes and dreams that they create for themselves. Come to this year’s Wild Women’s Performing Arts Festival on Saturday, February 27th! Mong Hwan is located near Yonsei University (Shinchon Station, Line 2, Exit 2). Doors open at 8pm. All of the proceeds from the 15,000won cover charge will be donated to the KWAU and you will receive one free drink. Make a difference by thinking globally and acting locally!

For more information about the Wild Women’s Performing Arts Festival, visit http://wwpaf.wordpress.com To check out Mong Hwan and their special events visit club.cyworld.com/monghwan

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