When I turned 75 a year ago, I found myself 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.

For those of you who made it to one of three the sold-out performances of GrandWomen – thank you so much! It was a moving series of performances – befitting of the performers, and other artists who contributed their gifts – including composer, singer Niyonu Spann who graced us with glorious music, and painter Sara Steele, whose magnificent paintings were projected as backdrops. We were overwhelmed with audience responses and joy. Thank you.

For those of you who weren’t able to see the performances, stay tuned for the film premiere in the fall and read on for ways to get involved.

It’s not too late to send in your reflections. It allows us to close the circle between audience and the GrandWomen performers. We’d love to hear from you.

For anyone who didn’t get a chance to read the program, here it is.

Teya

The Project

In these wild and frightening times, what can a diverse group of elder women offer us all? GrandWomen, is 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 share their own life stories, and wisdom in spoken word, movement, and music, offering us a new paradigm for peace.

The GrandWomen Performers

Some are grandmothers or 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?

Hilda Campbell

Methodist Minister, Police Chaplain, Youth Advocate, Poet and Grandmother

Hilda is a 77-year-old United Methodist minister, police chaplain, youth advocate, poet, grandmother and great grandmother. Born in her grandmother’s house in Georgia, raised, and residing still in Chester, Hilda was the first female union carpenter in Local 626, where she survived extensive racism and sexism. She lost her grandson Jamar to gun violence in 2020 and dedicates GrandWomen to him. Hilda has performed in two other Theater of Witness productions.

Jean (Regina) Coyne

Retired Criminal Justice Attorney, Writer, and Grandmother

Jean is an 87-year-old retired Defense Attorney who put herself through college, and law school after marrying and having children young. She has loved to tell stories since age six, when she would stand on a box at the International Ladies’ Garment Worker Union meetings, reciting the ‘Song of the Shirt.’ Her storytelling continued in the courtroom, where she implored juries not to impose the death penalty on her clients. She retired at age 79 and recently traveled with her granddaughter to Ireland, where they both sang and danced joyfully in pubs all over the country.

Kim Nguyen

Former Refugee and Retired – NJ Council on the Arts

Kim is a 69-year-old former refugee from Vietnam who came to the US at age seventeen on the first army transport plane leaving Saigon during the Vietnam War. She worked for the NJ Council on the Arts before retiring last year, supporting folk and traditional arts and artists. She is always looking for ways to give back to the society that took her in and gave her a second life. Kim and her husband have a son who was brought up in a non-traditional household. She has performed in two previous Theater of Witness productions.

Judith Palmer

Practitioner of fabrications and fixing things, Founding Member of the Anna Cruisis Choir, and Grandmother

Judith is an 80-year-old former piano technician, wood crafter, and founding member of the Anna Cruisis Feminist Choir, where she is a singer, composer, and arranger. The choir’s commitment to LGBTQ+ issues has provided a place for reflection on her own personal journey. She and her wife have two children and two grandchildren.

Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg

Rabbi, Author, Speaker and Spiritual Director

Sheila is an 80 year old Rabbi, author, speaker and spiritual director. She co-founded the Institute for Jewish Spirituality where she taught mindfulness meditation and yoga for many years. A passionate activist involved in peace and justice causes her entire life, Sheila and her husband Maynard, are leaders in the American Friends for Combatants for Peace – supporting ex-combatants from Israel and Palestine working for peace and justice. She is the grandmother of six.

Tiguida Kaba

Immigrant and Founder of AFAHO

Tiguida is a 71-year-old immigrant from Senegal. She came to the US following the shame and taboo of being a divorced African Muslim woman. Before learning to speak English, she worked as a cook, eventually opening an African restaurant in West Philadelphia. Later, she became a public health outreach coordinator, serving clients with HIV-AIDS. She founded AFAHO – the African Family Health Organization in Darby in 2001 as a way to bring free healthcare to those from African and Caribbean countries. She is the grandmother of twin boys.

Henrietta Tower Wurts Family Foundation

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

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