Women Empowerment Takes Center Stage At Westfield High School In New Production

WESTFIELD, NJ — "Blue Stockings," a play about a journey through women's suffrage, is coming to the Westfield High School Auditorium.

The Westfield Theatre Department will present Jessica Swale's debut play set in 1896 England during three showings from Nov. 20 to Nov. 22. The story follows the first female students at Girton College in Cambridge and their struggles to shatter stereotypes of women pursuing an education.

The story of intellectual independence comes face-to-face with the challenges of breaking free from the limits society puts on people, in this case, of women being relegated to housework.

Led by instructor Daniel Devlin, the students will take audiences on a trip through love, class divide, and their fight to change the future of education.

"Their journey proves that learning extends far beyond the lecture hall as they must navigate strict Victorian social etiquette while pushing back against outdated notions of the 'natural woman,'" added Devlin.

Westfield Theatre Department parent Ted Ritter told Patch that the benefits Devlin and Westfield High School give to students through opportunities to grow alongside the theme of a play like "Blue Stockings" are life-changing.

Invaluable and rewarding skills such as "self-confidence, poise, peer collaboration, technical skills, and more," he said, shine through the performers on the stage and will make you forget you're watching a high school production.

Tickets are available now and must be purchased ahead of time. No tickets will be available at the door.

All tickets are $14 and for reserved seating in the Auditorium which is located at 550 Dorian Rd.

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