By Amber Castillo 

The 20th-anniversary season of Lehman Stages showcased an event that explored various perspectives of womanhood. Titled "Framing the Female Gaze," the event featured a series of three immersive plays; ‘’Who's Gaze is it Anyway?", "Ready or Not", and ‘’Adulting.’’ Written and performed by The Bronx Repertory Company. Lehman's signature Art Gallery was transformed into a beautiful environment that showcased vibrant artworks, depicting sexuality and body positivity. The plays captivated the audience with their humor, emotional depth, and authenticity, which helped manifest what it truly means to be a woman. 

The debate around womanhood and its impact on society is a prevalent topic in today's world. The plays cover many areas, such as the importance of historical figures like Joan of Arc, marriage, religion, and even racial identity. The event had a diverse perspective on what lies beneath the surface of a woman's life. Women have become more vocal and willing to speak up about their struggles and successes, challenging the presence of immense patriarchy where stereotypes are often enforced. Erica Arakawa, 58, the mother of Alexa Downing, the writer of the first play "Who's Gaze is it Anyway?" expressed her admiration for her daughter's vision. She said, "It was really touching to see the influences of her own being. It was exciting to witness the next generation of creative women writers. I started crying; it was amazing to see my daughter be creative and express herself." 

"Framing the Female Gaze" was an excellent example of how the creative arts can highlight important issues. The play "Who's Gaze Is it Anyway?", explores the different perspectives of women throughout history. "Adulting" portrays the struggles of two adult women trying to connect after one of them deals with the death of a family member. "Ready or Not" delved into the dating lives of women and the challenges they face in maintaining their friendships when drama arises. Each play was more captivating than the last, with the actors bringing unique twists and quirks to their characters. Cleo, the modern woman in "Who's Gaze Is it Anyway?" was vocal and confident in her beliefs and dedication to her family. Mariam in "Adulting" had playful banter with her friend Liz while trying to maintain a dignified demeanor during a funeral. And Rosalita in "Ready or Not" provided humor and drama with her lively and amusing antics. The event was an emotional rollercoaster with the audience on the edge of their seats. 

Family, friends, fellow artists, and even aspiring actors all came to appreciate the plays. The presence of art, through expression, was significant in promoting growth. AI has become a rampant phenomenon that has affected the way both writers and actors approach their work. Despite the ongoing battle between the rise of robotic intellect and human innovation, the audience came to provide support to a community willing to go above and beyond to express their passion for their craft. Camille Capers, 25, an actor as well as a friend of one of the cast members, emphasized the importance of her stance, stating, "I think TV, film, and theatre are so important. People have an innate desire to create and tell stories, so I just hope that it continues." 

At the end of the night, the actors all bowed before the audience, and the event ended with a round of applause. The desire to rebel, excel, love, fight, and even embrace one’s flaws has always been prevalent in femininity. Despite the ongoing oppression, women continue to prevail and thrive. In the words of Cleo, "Are we not human first, before anything else?"