A Spotlight on World Theatre Day
Back in university, I was part of a small theatre group of Russian literature majors. We weren’t professionals—just passionate students trying to bring stories to life.
One semester, we performed The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov. A quiet play, yet unforgettable. It’s about a family clinging to the past as change rushes in—holding tight to their cherry orchard, a symbol of memory and identity, even as it’s sold.
We acted it in Russian, learning not just lines but the silences between them. That play mirrored something personal—what it means to stand between holding on and letting go. It taught me that theatre isn't about perfection. It’s about truth.
On this World Theatre Day, I remember why theatre matters: because it gives voice to what often goes unsaid.
And as Women’s History Month comes to a close, I honor all the women who’ve dared to tell their stories—onstage and off—even when the world wasn’t ready to hear them.
When the Curtain Rises—Women Who’ve Changed the Stage
Theatre has long been a place for bold characters and big emotions—but for many years, the voices shaping those stories from the inside were mostly male. Still, women found their way in—writing, directing, performing—and slowly, steadily, changing the script.
Here are a few women who’ve done just that, in ways that feel especially powerful this Women’s History Month:
🎭 Lynn Nottage
The only woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice, Lynn Nottage tells the kinds of stories that often go unheard—about working-class women, race, and resilience. Her plays (Sweat, Intimate Apparel, Clyde’s) feel raw and human. She’s also a strong advocate for bringing more diverse voices into theatre—not just on the stage, but behind it.
In her latest work, Clyde’s, she explores second chances through the lives of former inmates working in a diner kitchen. It’s honest, often funny, and quietly powerful.
👉Watch Lynn talk about Clyde’s in this short video.
🎭 Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Best known for Fleabag, which began as a one-woman stage show before becoming a breakout TV hit, Phoebe has reshaped what it means to be vulnerable, funny, and female onstage. Her writing is sharp, messy, and unfiltered—and it’s opened doors for a new wave of women creators who want to tell stories that don’t play by the old rules.
And in case you need a dose of raw honesty mixed with biting humor, watch her unforgettable SNL monologue here. It’s bold, hilarious, and full of truths many women quietly carry—but she says them out loud, with style.
🎭 Sonia Friedman
She’s not always in the spotlight, but she makes the spotlight happen. Sonia Friedman is one of the most powerful producers in theatre today—juggling massive hits like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Book of Mormon, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, and The Hills of California.
She’s known for bringing daring new voices to major stages—while also advocating for better accessibility, more affordable ticket models, and deeper representation behind the scenes.
A new New York Times profile calls her “the most powerful producer working in theatre”—and for good reason. Her story is a reminder that real influence doesn’t always stand center stage.
📝 3 Things I Took Away from the NYT Profile on Sonia Friedman:
“My life was, from the earliest memory, telling stories. That’s how we survived.” – On growing up in a chaotic home and finding refuge in theatre.
She’s launching a new low-cost theatre company with Hugh Jackman—just actors, a chair, and a good script—to bring storytelling back to its core.
Even after 300+ shows and dozens of major awards, she says: “I haven’t cracked it. I haven’t solved it and I never will. And that’s what keeps me here.”
🎭 Larissa FastHorse
In 2023, Larissa FastHorse became the first Native American woman to have a play produced on Broadway with The Thanksgiving Play. But long before that, she was already reshaping American theatre—one honest, layered story at a time.
A member of the Sicangu Lakota Nation, Larissa centers Indigenous voices in everything she creates. Whether writing about cultural erasure or building immersive experiences like Urban Rez, she invites audiences to see the land—and each other—differently.
Her plays explore identity, satire, and the complexity of representation with both sharp humor and deep humanity.
🎥 Watch Larissa’s reflection on storytelling, land, and community.
💬“I see the playwright as just one small part of this huge collaborative machine... and it’s such a gift to be in this world.”
🎭 Why it matters:
When women take the stage—or write the words, or direct the vision—they bring new truths with them. Not better or worse. Just different. And deeply needed.
💬 A simple question to reflect on:
What story would you tell if no one could interrupt you?
Cultivating Well-Being, one Day at a Time
The other day, I watched my two nephews, Bruno and Gabriel, racing across the yard, arms pumping, laughter trailing behind them. Then came a game of catch—each throw turning into an exaggerated challenge, complete with dramatic dives and triumphant cheers. Finally, exhausted from their antics, they collapsed onto the grass in a fit of giggles.
I sat there watching, smiling. But then a thought surfaced: When was the last time I let myself experience joy like that?
Somewhere along the way, many of us started measuring happiness against productivity, responsibilities, or the approval of others. But joy doesn’t come with a to-do list or a productivity score. It’s not something we have to earn—it’s something we are meant to experience, just like they did in that moment.
March 20 marks the International Day of Happiness, a reminder that tending to our joy isn’t just about feeling good—it creates a ripple effect that lifts those around us.
This year’s theme, Caring and Sharing, is all about connection. When we make space for joy—whether through small, intentional practices or meaningful conversations—we uplift not just ourselves, but each other.
Let’s explore ways to do just that.
Key Takeaways from The How of Happiness
Reading Sonja Lyubomirsky’s The How of Happiness—a book by a leading positive psychology researcher—was a powerful reminder that happiness isn’t just something that happens to us—it’s something we shape through our choices.
Here are three insights that stood out:
🗨 Happiness is 50% genetic, 10% circumstances, and 40% intentional activities. That last partis a game-changer. It means we have far more control over our happiness than we often think. What we do every day—our habits, thoughts, and actions—shapes our well-being more than luck, money, or external success.
🗨 Gratitude rewires your brain. Studies show that regularly acknowledging what we’re grateful for lowers stress, improves mood, and enhances overall well-being. Even writing down one or two small things each day can shift our mindset.
🗨 Acts of kindness create a ripple effect of joy. Helping a friend, complimenting a stranger, or simply offering a smile boosts happiness—not just for the receiver, but for us too. Generosity fuels well-being.\
If there’s one thing I took away from this book, it’s this: Happiness isn’t about waiting for the perfect conditions—it’s about taking small, daily steps to nurture it.
✨ What’s one small way you can invite more happiness into your day? ✨
My stress-reduction Morning Routine
Mornings can set the tone for the entire day, and I’ve found that taking just a few intentional minutes for myself makes a difference.
Here’s a simple 3-minute reset that helps me feel more grounded every morning:
✅ Cold Water Wake-Up –First thing in the morning, I splash my face, neck, and clavicles with cold water. It’s an instant refresh, shaking off sleepiness and giving me a jolt of energy.
✅ Mindful Moment – I take three deep breaths: inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four. With each breath, I feel the tension ease.
✅ Positive Affirmation –Looking in the mirror, I remind myself: I am grounded. I am capable. I am enough. Some days, these words feel like quiet reassurance; other days, they’re exactly what I need to hear.
✅ Physical Movement – A simple stretch—arms overhead, bending side to side—helps shake off stiffness and reconnect with my body.
✅ Gratitude Check-In – I jot down three things I’m grateful for. Some days, it’s something big; other days, it’s as simple as a warm cup of tea.
🔹 What’s your go-to morning ritual?
Women’s Voices on Resilience: Must-Watch TED Talks
Listening to the experiences of others can be a powerful way to reframe our own challenges. Here are three TED Talks by incredible women, each offering a unique perspective on resilience and mental well-being:
✅ Lucy Hone – "The Three Secrets of Resilient People"
🔹This TED Talk is raw, real, and packed with hard-earned wisdom. Lucy doesn’t just study resilience—she’s lived it. Her story is heartbreaking, but what makes it powerful is how she turns pain into something useful. She breaks down resilience into three simple, actionable strategies—no fluff, no clichés, just real tools anyone can use.
✅ Susan David – "The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage"
🔹This talk is deeply human and refreshingly honest. Susan challenges the toxic positivity we’re often pressured to embrace, reminding us that discomfort is the price of a meaningful life. True strength isn’t about avoiding hard feelings—it’s about facing them with courage, curiosity, and self-compassion. It’s not about getting rid of fear—it’s about learning to walk alongside it.
✅ Kelly McGonigal – "How to Make Stress Your Friend"
🔹This talk flips the script on stress. Instead of treating it as the enemy, Kelly shows that stress can actually make us stronger—if we change the way we think about it. And I love her insight about oxytocin—the “cuddle hormone”—being a built-in stress response that encourages us to connect with others. Her message is simple but powerful: don’t avoid stress—lean into it. Chase meaning, not comfort.
Women Pioneers, Past and Present
Historical Spotlight: The Women Who Paved the Way
A pioneer in education and activism, Charlotte Maxeke was the first Black South African woman to earn a university degree. She dedicated her life to fighting for women’s rights and social justice at a time when few dared to. Known as The Mother of Black Freedom, she played a key role in laying the foundation for South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. Her impact is still felt today in education, activism, and leadership programs that continue her work.
Born into slavery, Anna Julia Cooper rose to become one of the most influential Black scholars and educators of her time. She was a fierce advocate for racial and gender equality, believing that education was the key to progress. In 1892, she wrote A Voice from the South, a groundbreaking book calling for Black women’s empowerment and leadership. As one of the first African American women to earn a PhD, Anna Julia spent her life opening doors for others, proving that knowledge is a force for change.
Contemporary Trailblazers: Women Making History Now
A leading voice in African science and education, Marie-Christine has spent her career expanding opportunities for women in STEM. With a PhD in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, she led Rwanda’s efforts in science and innovation, advocating for women’s education in fields once dominated by men. She has represented Rwanda in global forums, mentored young scientists, and shaped national policies to support women in STEM. Though now retired, her impact continues through the programs and leaders she helped build.
An astrophysicist with a passion for the universe's most massive stars, Dr. Levesque explores how these stellar giants evolve and meet their dramatic ends. As an associate professor at the University of Washington, she leads research into these cosmic phenomena. Her acclaimed book, The Last Stargazers, offers a glimpse into the adventurous world of astronomy, sharing stories from observatories around the globe. Emily's work not only deepens our understanding of the cosmos but also inspires a new generation of stargazers.
Simple Ways to Honor Women’s History Month
📍 Visit a historic site dedicated to women’s achievements. Looking for a museum near you? The International Association of Women's Museums has a global list of places where women’s stories come to life. Explore it here: Women’s Museums Worldwide.
📖 Read a biography by a female author. Pick up a book about a woman who shaped history—or a memoir by someone redefining it now. Here are some great reads to start with:
Lifting Voices, Changing Worlds
International Women’s Day has always been more than just a date on the calendar for me. It’s a reminder of the women who shaped my journey, who lifted me when I didn’t even realize I needed lifting. From the resilience of my mother Gabriella to the quiet strength of Daniela, a friend who refuses to let obstacles define her, their stories echo in my life’s choices.
This year’s theme, "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," is a call for true inclusivity—so that no woman, no girl, is left behind. When we talk about change, it’s not just about breaking barriers in politics or business. It’s about small, everyday victories—raising our voices, taking up space, lifting each other up.
Spotlight on Inspiring Women
Let’s meet three women who are redefining strength, courage, and perseverance in 2025:
Michele Fitzsimmons (USA)
In February 2025, Michele became the first female Deputy Chief in the history of the New York City Fire Department, shattering a century-old barrier. Her grandfather—a retired battalion chief—once told her, “Women shouldn’t be firefighters.” But she refused to let outdated beliefs define her path. With grit, leadership, and unwavering determination, she climbed the ranks, proving that courage and capability have no gender.
Gisèle Pelicot (France)
A name now synonymous with resilience, Gisèle stepped out of the shadows in 2024, waiving her anonymity to confront her attackers in court. Determined to raise awareness about drug-facilitated sexual assault and encourage other victims to speak out, she made a powerful statement: "The shame is theirs," turning the weight of silence back on those who had tried to strip her of her voice.
Dr. Katalin Karikó (Hungary)
For decades, Katalin’s research on mRNA technology was dismissed, but she never stopped believing in its potential. That persistence led to one of the greatest medical breakthroughs—COVID-19 vaccines—saving millions of lives. Honored with the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine, she’s living proof that staying true to your work—even when others doubt you—can change the world.
What’s So Special About International Women’s Day?
The roots of International Women’s Day (March 8) trace back to the early 1900s, when women around the world fought for better working conditions, voting rights, and equality. Since the United Nations officially recognized it in 1975, it has grown into a global movement—shining alight on the victories won and the challenges still ahead.
Why It’s Important to Celebrate IWD
The beauty of change is that we all have a role in it. Here are small but meaningful ways we can make a difference:
Support women-owned businesses. On a recent walk, I stumbled upon a bakery run by two sisters. Their almond biscotti? Heavenly. Supporting them? Priceless.
Amplify women’s voices. Whether it's sharing an article, reposting a project, or simply saying, "She did this!"—visibility matters.
Mentor or seek mentorship. We grow when we lift others.
Educate yourself. Read about the struggles and triumphs of women worldwide. Knowledge fuels change.
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March Reads You Won’t Want to Miss
📚 Building Brighter Days - Tools for Mind and Heart
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📚 Transforming Mind, Body, and Spirit
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📚 Unlocking Your True Potential
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