Jester of the Peace
Reverend Barbara Ann Michaels
Local News Room
AND NOW: WOMAN
Women's Self-Expression Salon
Women, self-identified, real-deal revealed, express themselves in any way, on the theme of the month as interpreted by them, for up to 10 minutes - and somehow in relation to their own lives. It's serious, it's funny, it's profound, it's rich, it's a joy. Some women are professional performers, and some have never taken any stage. This diversity of women's expression is equalizing and celebratory.
From the first show in May 2015 in Paris, AND NOW: WOMAN ran for 4 years of live living room shows in New York City. In 2017, we started touring ongoing shows to Austin, Boston, Miami, Washington DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, and beyond. AND NOW: HUMAN launched in 2018, an all-gender version of the show. We took a "pandemic pause" and resumed shows in 2024.
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The best community building, wound healing, act of self-love,
commitment to activism I've ever been honored to see, hear and celebrate.
Looking forward to the next one for sure!
- Ilov, New York City
"I so enjoy getting to know my sisters this way, in songs, stories, poems, and in our hearts. I just want to tell everyone. Barbara weaves us together in an affectionate embrace. For any of you who want to share or present something but are scared, please know you will not find a more enthusiastic audience. We who will laugh at your foibles - because we've all been there. We'll sigh at your heartbreaks - because we've all been there. And we will applaud your courage - because the courage of a woman to survive in this Century, and live to tell the tale, or sing her song or dance her dance - we all understand. Fabulous evening. Incredible talent. Women telling their stories, finding the words, not being silenced, connecting. Moving in unison. Bravo Ladies."
- Madelyn, New York City
"It was my first time at this Salon, and I found the evening both inspiring and nurturing. It was good to share and get back into performing, great to listen to so much kick-ass talent, and wonderful to take part in candid, profound discussions".
- Tracy, New York City
Your choice of the theme"FIT" for me was profound - I didn't even know it was a subject I was waiting to explore! It is artists like you who can open a window that the audience might not have noticed. Your first monologue connected to something I had been puzzling over. Thanks to your work, I have lots more to think about.
- Jane, New York City
WHAT IS AND NOW: WOMAN?
AND NOW is a women's salon in an intimate living room setting. There are 6 to 12 acts in the event, on a theme. A curated group of women present up to 10 minutes each, in any performative style they choose - [dance, song, performance art, cooking, painting, improv, what-you're-inventing] - related in some way to their own lives right NOW. Some women are professional performers and some never have taken the stage until NOW. Our result is real and revealed; we all revel in our relating.
THE STORY OF AND NOW: WOMAN
AND NOW was inspired by a collaboration in 2015/16 between Barbara Ann Michaels and AdeRonke Adeyemi. One night, Aderonke had a dream that Barbara did a performance in 12 acts. Barbara felt amazed to hear so, as 15 years prior, as an MFA candidate at Massachusetts College of Art, she had done a performance in 12 acts, called AND NOW. This show about her own life insights, expressed as performance art, was in the round with a twist: the audience was in the middle on swivel chairs and Barbara performed around them, circling them like a clock. Barbara and Aderonke decided to reprise the show and open it to an evening of multiple women sharing their insights and intrigue, their inspiration, indulgence, and inner fire with each other. The first show of 12 acts with 5 performers was in Paris in May 2015, a celebration on the night of their completion of the School of Womanly Arts. The show has run monthly in New York City since that time. We are now touring nationally and internationally, with shows in Austin, Washington DC, Miami, Philadelphia, Chicago, Paris, Byron Bay Australia, and more...
BRING AND NOW TO YOUR GROUP
Your group can experience the bonding power of performing for each other, on your theme. Barbara facilitates a workshop, either an event or a series, that culminates in a show in the round for your audience. Your group will feel more connected, kind, understood, and mutually known... and have a lot of fun. No performance experience is necessary. Any age group is welcomed. Barbara has worked with people ages 2 to senior adults over the years. Your theme can be personal, corporate, or social.
Contact Barbara at 646-648-0128 or Barbara@JesterOfThePeace.com.