Performing Power

How do women experience the process of securing, and being in, positions of power and authority in the UK? How are they treated and perceived by others once they are in those positions? Presented by Glasgow-based performance company Fire Exit, this symposium will examine these questions through discussions between specialists in areas such as linguistics, voice coaching and psychology, plus senior business and arts leaders.

Performing Power, Saturday 24th March, 12pm to 4pm, £5/£3, 14+

This event is organised by Fire Exit whose interest in the subject has been growing for some time: in the rehearsal room they are often required to consider how women have been taught by society to present themselves physically and vocally, and how that can help or hinder them when it comes to being perceived as credible authority figures.

Combining Fire Exit’s expertise in performance with academic research and the experiences of senior professional women this symposium will help us to understand what body of knowledge is currently available and to find new perspectives on this fascinating and complex subject. The afternoon will include three hour-long sessions structured around a lunch break, and with time available for audience questions for the speakers.

Through bringing together a wide range of expert speakers Performing Power will address questions such as:

• How are people socialised to understand what authority looks and sounds like?
• How is authority manifested in the body and voice?
• How useful is it to have these insights and knowledge, when you still have to perform some version of expected gender norms to move through the world?
• What could change peoples’ perceptions of what power looks like?

Booking

This event is open to all (14+) and we prefer for tickets to be booked in advance whenever possible. This event costs £5 full price. Select the number of tickets you want to book below, or come in to the Library to book. We offer subsidised tickets at £3 for students, people on a low income, unemployed or those in receipt of benefit and Friends of GWL. If you are eligible for a subsidised place select the subsidised ticket below, or come in to the Library to book.

If you have booked a place and are no longer able to attend please let us know so that we can make your place available to someone else.

If tickets below have sold out please email katie.reid@womenslibrary.org.uk to add your name to the waiting list. Please let us know how many places you would like when you email, and leave your mobile number if you can.