Current Projects

In Remembrance Of
September 5, 6, 12, 13, 2008
St. Gregory of Nyssa, 500 DeHaro St. San Francisco

Directed/Choreographed by Elizabeth Mendana
Written by Alison Luterman
Performed by Jylian Cortez, Katharina Darvas, Zahra Garrett, Natta Haotzima, Elizabeth Mendana, Bonner Odell, and Katharina Worthington

Over 150,000 women served in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) during World War II. When the WAAC began in 1942, 35,000 women applied for the 1,000 officer positions. Forty of the first 440 officers trained were African American women. They held every imaginable non-combat position and job. They faced scrutiny and criticism for joining the army. Yet, they felt a deep passion to contribute to the “war effort.”

In Remembrance Of will explore the stories of the women who joined the military during World War II. The creation of the WAC was a big step on the journey for gender equality in this nation. How did that come about and where are we now? As an artist, I am most inspired by the specific and personal stories of the women who believed so strongly that they were willing to sign up for the military in that difficult time.