Synopsis:
Girls in the Boat takes us on a ride through US women’s rowing history.
In 1975, the Yale University women’s rowing team protested to the
athletic department for equal funding and conditions under the federal
government’s Title IX provisions. This event drew national attention for
equality in women’s collegiate sports and also inspired playwright Alice
Austen.
As the play points out, the girls on the teams share not only a love of
rowing and competition but must also learn the art of girl bonding. This
is a key difference from men’s sports, Austen believes. The girls’
distinct personalities must literally take a back seat to each one’s
potential for moving the boat forward. Feelings may be momentarily
hurt but, in the end, the team learns that unity is the key factor to its
success. For today’s teens, whose experiences may not comprehend the
practice of public schools not offering girls’ sports teams, this play is
something of an eye-opener. This play is a reminder of how far we have
come, and how far we may yet have to go.