Gloria: A Life

by Emily Mann

“ A Life is a unique, deeply moving performance created in the hopeful, conversational spirit of its extraordinary subject.” —Sara Holdren, New York Magazine’s Vulture “One part theater, one part consciousness-raising group therapy session, A Life offers an experience that promises to be a more intimate recollection of Steinem’s journey, not only because it’s been singularly shaped by the hands of women.” —Noor Brara, Vogue Five decades after Gloria Steinem began raising her voice for equality and championing the voices of others, she remains a leader of the American feminist movement. Emily Mann’s new play traces the progress of Steinem’s extraordinary life, from her undercover Playboy Bunny exposé in the 1960s, through her founding of Ms. Magazine in the 1970s, to her activism in today’s women’s movement.

Genres: Plays

96 pages, Paperback

Published November 26, 2019

Reviews

[Kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know, the hardest part of waking up is seeing our own complicity in all the humiliations. It's not just that we live in a patriarchy. It's that the patriarchy lives in us, right?

Content Warnings: abortion, sexual harassment, mental illness, sexism.

I want to say first off that I understand that recounting the history of the women's right movement in all its iterations is an important and worth goal. None of my thoughts on this play are intended to disparage the very real activism and good done by Gloria Steinem and her fellow feminists.

However, this play was copyrighted in 2019. The feminism is vastly outdated and there is little in the "present day" portions to hint at bringing it up to speed. The concept of the consciousness raising circle is fine and historical, but ultimately also outdated. I liked the story shared, I think I would enjoy seeing this play, but ultimately it did not tell me anything I do not already know. And for that, it is difficult to consider it impactful.

I have a hard time believing that this work would change minds about feminism or the state of the feminist movement, nor would it provide any real "awakenings"—at least among my peer groups. I doubt the ability to stage this play widely and receive the desired effect. I would just like to see more from this type of work than this play offers. I do not think it uses the imagination and connection theatre can offer well at all.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy.

A story of combined struggle and strength. If you enjoy reading a play written format this is going to be a real treat and even more so if you are a fan of Gloria.

[Jojo · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this wasn't the play I had intended to read by this author but my library didn't have the one I wanted. But they did have this one and it seemed intriguing so I figured why not. And I'm glad I did. I liked this. It was a play, history, and biography all wrapped in one.
Grade: A

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d already read My Life On the Road so I’m not sure this brought much new to the table, but the talking circle is of course what would make a production of this.

[Lisagayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great companion to the play. I saw it o n PBS Great Performances staring Christine Lahti (06/26/2020).

[Dalton Dear · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this might translate better on the stage. An ambitious work. Love Gloria Steinham but felt like so much was missing. Wanted more backstory but understand with play medium has to be shorter.