The Unspeakable Podcast
Can Middle Aged Women Save Theater? Playwright Sandra Tsing Loh on invisible women, wokeness in theater, and taking your own show on the road.
Nov 18, 2024
Sandra Tsing Loh, a celebrated playwright and author, shares her journey in theater and the challenges faced by women over 50. She discusses her surprise hit play, Madwomen of the West, and the struggles in securing representation for middle-aged women in the industry. The conversation touches on the shift from traditional theater to independent productions and the changing dynamics in audience engagement. Sandra also reveals insights behind her new one-woman show, I’ll Burn That Bridge When I Get To It, showcasing the importance of authenticity in storytelling.
18:56
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast emphasizes the struggles of women over 50 in theater, highlighting their underrepresentation and the need for authentic storytelling.
- It discusses the impact of corporate influence on artistic expression, detailing how artists navigate shifting priorities in a politicized landscape.
Deep dives
Cultural Landscape Shift for Women Over 50
An essential theme highlights the struggles and silencing faced by women over the age of 50 in contemporary culture. This demographic, despite being significant consumers of theater tickets, is often underrepresented both on stage and in discussions surrounding feminism and the arts. The conversation delves into how societal perceptions have shifted over generations, particularly around issues of privilege and identity, questioning why these women are frequently excluded from the narrative. The creation of a play titled 'Mad Women of the West' serves as a vehicle to address these complexities and present authentic stories that resonate with this audience.
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