Olympic Trailblazer Anita DeFranz to Speak as Part of Powerstories’ GIRLS IN THE BOAT on April 30

Hosted by Powerstories Theatre, decorated Olympic rower, trailblazer, author, and activist, Anita DeFranz will be the guest speaker at a live conversation on Zoom on April 30, 2023. The conversation will begin at 3:45 PM ET as a complement following its related show on stage, Girls in the Boat.

Girls on the Boat tells the story inspired by Olympic rowers like DeFranz who fought against discrimination, ridicule, opposition, and prejudice, for gender equality, and the passage of Title IX. The women rowers, determined to succeed, found an unlikely ally in a taciturn men’s coach, who trains them hard to become the most winning sports team in US history.

Any Girls in the Boat ticket holder can participate in the Zoom Q&A with DeFranz.

Beyond her medals, among DeFranz’s many recognitions include being named The Sporting News “One of the 100 most powerful people in sports,” Sports Illustrated “one of 101 most influential minorities in sports”, and Newsweek “150 Women Who Shake the World.”

In the conversation, she will share her unique perspective as a female Olympian and her experience as a trailblazer in the fight for gender equality in sports with Title IX, as a champion athlete, and as a member of the U.S. and International Olympic Committee.

Fran Powers, theatre founder and Girls in the Boat director said, “It’s sad how eerily timely our play is. On Thursday, the House passed a bill to ban transgender girls and women in elementary to college from school sports. The women in 1970s had to fight to implement the Title IX protection, to have the same rights as their male counterparts. The fight is just beginning for this generation’s transgender girls and women.

The fight for Title IX is a part of our story and we are so excited to virtually meet Anita and hear the real story behind what we’ve learned working so hard on Girls in the Boat.”

Like Girls in the Boat, DeFranz’s story is a triumph over adversity. It is a story about the power of women and the importance of fighting for what you believe in. DeFranz is a testament to the human spirit and Powerstories is honored to be able to share her true story with patrons, cast, and crew.

Girls in the Boat is at Powerstories through May 7. All ticket holders are eligible for a complimentary Zoom link to listen and talk to Anita DeFranz on April 30. Learn more and buy tickets at bit.ly/GITB_5.