Gabriela García stars in Well-Behaved Women, a new song cycle by Carmel Dean celebrating women across history.
Well-Behaved Women is a wonderful ode to the fierce famous females from history, with their stories of courage, strength and resilience memorialised through a range of musical styles from rock and jazz to country.
Directed by Julie Atherton, with musical direction by Ellie Verkerk, the concert runs for one night only at Cadogan Hall on Friday 3 September 2021. Tickets are on sale here.
You’re appearing in Well-Behaved Women at Cadogan Hall, what can you tell us about the show?
It’s a song cycle that celebrates women in history. From Eve to Ruth Bader Ginsburg via The Statue of Liberty, you will hear their stories through their own words. The cast is jampacked full of women I really admire, it promises to be a night to remember!
Why do you think now is the perfect time to be showcasing these incredible women from history?
It’s always the perfect time.
You play Frida Kahlo, what has surprised and inspired you most about the Mexican painter’s life?
She continually surprises me. Being Mexican I’m of course very proud she has become a world icon. I can’t remember the first time I heard about her because it feels like she’s always been there. I visited her house when I was a kid and ever since then I have tried to adopt her resilience, passion and fearlessness.
She had an extraordinary life. A disabled woman so far ahead of her time. We all recognise her as a painter however you only have to read her letters and diary to understand her poetic ability. She was an activist both knowingly and subconsciously through her socialist principles and through her open love for both men and women.
Frida is truly an inspiring person so much so that I am writing a musical about her life, so watch this space!
How do you think Carmel Dean’s songs represent these women and at the same time remains entertaining?
Carmel has found a clever combination of women that everyone will recognise but where their stories at times had been mis-told. It left me wanting to know more about every single woman she wrote about.
What do you enjoy most about working on a one-night only song cycle?
I wish it wasn’t a one night only! I’d like to get to know all the amazing women working on it more!
And what excites you the most about sharing the stage with a host of West End leading ladies?
My 16-year-old Gaby is freaking out! My 30-year- old Gaby is playing it cool…Every single one of these women has inspired me in some way, I’m honoured to have been included in this party!
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Well-Behaved Women?
What are you waiting for? Although Frida would say: What are you afraid of? Why avert your eyes? (little sneak peek there!)
