The ‘GrandWomen’ Project

“I turned 75 this March and have been deeply asking,’What can I offer that will be an antidote to these times? What would I most want to devote myself to if this is the last Theater of Witness’ piece I create? I saw a diverse group of elder women’s spirits lighting up the stage. I heard voices of wisdom and love. And I saw a communal prayer for peace that will inspire us all to become our best selves with courage, truth, and beauty. I saw GrandWomen.”

– Teya Sepinuck

The Project

In these wild and frightening times, what can a diverse group of elder women offer us all? We are beginning a new project – GrandWomen, which will be an inspiring new Theater of Witness production and film, created and performed by women in their 70’s and 80’s from diverse racial, cultural and economic backgrounds. They will share their own life stories, and wisdom in spoken word, movement, music and film imagery, offering us a new paradigm for peace.

GrandWomen will be premiere in 2026 for the general public as well as for groups of teen girls as part of an ongoing mentoring project. The intergenerational connections between the two groups will inspire and deepen relationships of understanding and possibility

The GrandWomen Performers

Some will be grandmothers and great grandmothers, others, single and proud. They have; knit families and communities together, survived illness, loss and heartbreak, lived with racism, poverty, sexism xenophobia and fear. Some were born in the US, others from far away. They’ve been caretakers, friends and lovers. They have fought for justice, and dared to live small and large dreams. They’ve been pathfinders, artists, service workers, healthcare providers, caregivers, crafts people, spiritual leaders and teachers. What wisdom can this group of GrandWomen pass on to all of us?

Mentoring Girls

We will be working closely with organizations that support girls and young women from various backgrounds. A small group of teens and young adults will work with us in year one of the project as we develop the production and film with the grand women, connecting with the elder performers. In year two Teya will create a new Theater of Witness piece with the the young women, centered on the themes of their own stories as well as how they themselves can work towards becoming Grand Women in their lives.

Thank you to all the generous individuals who contributed so lovingly to GrandWomen.

Special Thanks to The Rochelle Tuzman Sauber Tzedakah Fund

We are currently seeking further funding for this exciting and unique project. Your tax-deductible contribution can be in honor or memory of a grand woman in your life.

IF you’d rather write a check, please make it out to Theater of Witness of Culture Trust Philadelphia and put GrandWomen in the note.

Mail it to:
Theater of Witness of Culture Trust Greater Philadelphia
1315 Walnut Street, Suite 300
Philadelphia PA 19107