With a cast of international voices, The Alchemy of Imperfection illuminates female experiences that defy cultural boundaries. Inner dialogues are revealed and explored in an evening of poetic narration, world music and dance.

Theater that lifts womens’ voices

The Alchemy of Imperfection arose out of writer/director Cara Cruickshank’s experiences as a woman living in three cultures. As a lifelong artist, Cruickshank was inspired by the #MeToo movement to crystalize the voices of women she has met from around the world into a performance that allows people of all genders to reach across the divides that separate us and begin to have necessary and meaningful conversations.

The performance and accompanying panel discussion are powerful mediums in community and campus settings to facilitate constructive dialogue on gender equality, diversity, and social justice. At colleges, we collaborate with course instructors and group organizers to highlight urgent topics on campus.

The show poses questions that are vital to women of all ages and backgrounds: What happens when women speak and act truthfully? What are the consequences when they don't? And what is the cost of aiming for perfection?

We bring:

• A powerful, one-hour multimedia theater performance, with the option to include student and/or local actors.

• A panel discussion on related topics, featuring social justice experts from your community, with audience Q&A.

• Suggestions for pre- and post-event activities.

The show has been well received by audiences and actors in Europe and the United States. In each location, we cast culturally diverse actors, dancers and musicians, highlighting the talents of local communities. Our panels feature artists, educators and activists who help guide important and constructive community conversations on sensitive and timely issues.

See below for selected scenes from our performances at Laguardia Community College in New York City.

Where we’ve been