CHERCHEZ LA FEMME: FEMINISM AND PUBLIC SPACE

A warm welcome to all y’all as we embark on another year of feminism in the pub with Melbourne’s monthly feminist talk-show, Cherchez la Femme. Usually held on the first Tuesday of every month, the first CLF of of 2013 will work around renovations at the Gasometer Hotel and be held on the SECOND Tuesday of February, the 12th. Later CLFs will return to the usual schedule.

So what are we looking at, right out of the gate? Feminism and Public Space will give us a chance to talk about stuff like breastfeeding, fashion policing, so-called public spaces that women can’t use or enjoy, and we’ll also discuss the danger and risk that women undertake when doing crazy things like walking down the street, using public transport, taking cabs and just generally being present in their own bodies, outside their homes.

I am unbelievably excited about the first panel of the year, as it features three of my favourite women in Melbourne, and their intelligence, humour and total babeosity are going to make the first CLF back a special one.

Monica Dux is a writer, commentator, parent, feminist and author of the fantastic book, The Great Feminist Denial (with Zora Simic). She’s a founder of The Stella Prize and her eagerly anticipated new book, Things I Didn’t Expect (when I was expecting), will be released by Melbourne University Press in March.

Van Badham is a playwright, activist, dramaturg and feminist who has also written acclaimed novels, including Burnt Snow, and won many awards for her theatrical and critical work. She’s currently the Associate Artist (Writing) at the Malthouse Theatre and can often be seen on the streets of Melbourne protesting for causes like Pussy Riot, SlutWalk and protecting abortion rights.

Sarah Ward is a cabaret artist, musician, composer, writer, feminist and the creator of the multi-award-winning comedic powerhouse, Yana Alana and the Paranas. She co-created the beloved comic hip-hop act, Sista She, with Candy Bowers and currently serves as the ringmistress for Circus Oz, touring Australia and the world with her special brand of rank raunch.

So join us for the first go-round of 2013, won’t you?

Tuesday 12 February 7-9pm (2nd Tues, just this once)
The Gasometer Hotel
cnr Smith St & Alexandra Pde, Collingwood
$10 waged/$5 unwaged or a good story
Kitchen hours 6pm-10pm (veg/an magic)

Hope to see you!

Warmest
Karen x