By Dan Nonte, University Relations
The Touring Theater Ensemble of North Carolina performs “Star-Spangled Girls.”
“Are you a Girl with a Star-Spangled Heart? Join the WAC Now!” reads a World War II-era poster, part of the Women Veterans Historical Collection at UNCG.
That poster inspired the title of Brenda Schleunes’ newest play, “Star-Spangled Girls.” Drawn from the letters, interviews and memorabilia in the collection, the play will make its debut in Elliott University Center Auditorium at 7 p.m. Nov. 8.
The performance, free and open to the public, will be followed by a reception. RSVP via email or phone, 336-256-1213. For directions, visit online maps of the campus.
At the request of archivist Betty Carter, Schleunes took the words of 31 women and created five composite characters who meet and reminisce 20 years after the war. The Touring Theatre Ensemble of North Carolina, founded by Schleunes, will perform the play.
Backed by a minimal set, the characters recount enlistment, basic training, love, segregation, and service at home and abroad. The play also features the era’s music.
The Women Veterans Historical Collection, part of University Archives and Special Collections, documents the experience of women in the Armed Forces and includes more than 200 oral histories.
After its Nov. 8 debut, the production will tour libraries, museums and other venues. It will return to campus in March as part of the Women’s and Gender Studies Conference.
