Theatre for
Change
WHAT CAN THREE DEFIANT, DETERMINED AND DAMAGED ANTI-HEROINES TEACH US TODAY?
“NASTY: The Lives of Peggy Guggenheim, Annemarie Schwarzenbach and Nancy Cunard” by Germaine Shames bends time to bring three scandalous heiresses into the present where pussy hats have replaced Paris millinery and nastiness reigns.
—Bechdel Test Fest Selection
—45 - 50 Minute Run Time
—Cast of Four, All-Female
—Can Be Performed Anywhere
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Marguerite "Peggy" Guggenheim (August 26, 1898 – December 23, 1979) was an American art collector, bohemian and socialite. Born to the wealthy Guggenheim family, she was the daughter of Benjamin Guggenheim, who went down with the Titanic in 1912, and the niece of Solomon R. Guggenheim, who would establish the Guggenheim Foundation. Peggy, whose taste and timing were unerring, created a world-renowned art collection.
Annemarie Schwarzenbach (May 23, 1908 - November 15, 1942), a gay Swiss writer and photojournalist estranged from her fascist family, was extraordinarily prolific in her too-short lifetime. In addition to her critically-acclaimed books, between 1933 and 1942 she produced approximately 170 articles and 50 photo-reports for Swiss, German and American newspapers and magazines. She died at the age of 34.
Nancy Clara Cunard (March 10, 1896 – March 17, 1965) was a publisher, writer and political activist. She was born into the British upper class and devoted much of her life to fighting racism and fascism. Her most noted literary contribution was a massive anthology showcasing the achievements of the Black diaspora.
What did these women have in common? Difficult lives, for one. More importantly, these three troubled heiresses were of independent mind, flouted the social mores of their time, and stayed true to their vocations and convictions whatever the cost.