The Jewish Federation Connecting with Community presents "Working at the Intersection of Arts and Activism" with Kristen van Ginhoven, artistic director of WAM Theatre.

As Kristen works at the intersection of arts and activism, the more she recognizes that, to truly be change-makers and contribute to a commnity of empathy, equity and belonging, the more we must learn to tolerate our discomfort.

Listen as Kristen shares her uncomfortable and unexpected journey towards a personal and professional awakening.

"In 2010, co-founders Kristen van Ginhoven (WAM Artistic Director) and Leigh Strimbeck (Theatre Professional) read the book "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide" by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.  It inspired them to found WAM Theatre as a way to use theatre as philanthropy for women and girls.  “Half the Sky” invites people to ‘join an incipient movement to emancipate women and fight global poverty by unlocking women’s power as economic catalysts’. WAM Theatre is one way we are joining the movement and taking action.

Since launching in 2010, WAM Theatre has donated over $41,500 to thirteen beneficiaries from our mainstage productions and provided paid work to more than 200 theatre artists."

This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.