It is an ironic fact that war—for all its destructive futility—accelerates social change. When World War II began and men were called into the service, women were called to work in defense plants and for war-related organizations, in addition to filling everyday jobs left vacant by departing soldiers. As it turns out, this shift of the workforce contributed in many ways to the Allied victory. It is said that Hitler termed Americans “degenerate” for putting their women to work, and the Axis powers were uniformly hesitant to employ women in their war industries. The iconic “Rosie the Riveter” symbolized the effort that helped defeat the Axis forces. In addition to women working in the military resource industries, 350,000 American women served in uniform, as part of the WAACs (Women’s Army Corps), WAVES (Navy Women’s Reserve , the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve, SPARS (Coast Guard Women’s Reserve), WASPS (Women Air Force Service Pilots, the Army Nurses Corps, and the Navy Nurse Corps.
GO! Contemporary Dance Works is presenting a tribute to these women of World War II entitled Unsung Heroes in three performances at the Bijou Theatre, Saturday and Sunday, February 8 and 9. The production will include over 60 dancers, both pre-professional and professional, with work from seven choreographers. The production’s visual environment will come from actual historical film footage and photography on large projection screens backing the movement.
Director Lisa Hall McKee describes the performance as not only stimulating and stirring, but also historically educational. Act One will focus on efforts in America with famous characters such as Rosie and the Riveters, WACS and WAVES, Nurse Army Corps, and an aerial display of the Women Air Force Service Pilots. Act Two will turn to Europe, with an abstract representation of the Third Reich, a portrayal of The Holocaust including Anne Frank high above the stage in her attic, and the energetic O.S.S. Spies featuring the sultry entertainer, Josephine Baker.
Show times at the Bijou Theatre are Saturday, February 8 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM and Sunday, February 9 at 3:00 PM. Advance ticket prices range from $17-$27. Complimentary tickets will be available to all active and veteran military personnel. Tickets may be purchased by calling 865-539-2475 or online at www.gocontemporarydance.com.
