51 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen ‘Midlife Monologues’ does exactly that by celebrating and embracing a life stage despite its challenges and bridging the chapters of life,” Hunt continued, “Sharing the stage with such incredible talent is a huge honor. I am blown away by the level of professionalism. ‘Midlife Monologues’ is a real asset to Charleston’s literary arts scene, on par with the Charleston Literary Festival and the Library Society’s programs.” Buxton added, “This event demonstrates how exciting it is to have Charleston as a catalyst in this conversation and to be part of this groundswell of literary and artistic expression. We are seeing the transformative power of storytelling in the books we read and the monologues performed on stage.” Graci agreed, “In our nearly two decades here in Charleston, we at PURE Theatre have been proud to ignite dialogue and contribute to the exchange of ideas, aspirations and inspirations of our community. ‘Midlife Monologues’ is a marvelous example of that experience.” Devine concluded, “The most gratifying part of this creative process is when women seek me out to tell me the lasting impression ‘Midlife Monologues’ had on them, especially the power of feeling validated and seeing their lives reflected in the stories of others.” Event sponsors include Longevity Club, Croghan’s, Oliphant, Menopause Solutions, Rising Tide Wellness, Bleecker Family Law and Charleston Women magazine. Event donations will support nonprofit organizations addressing women’s mental health, including The Jed Foundation for adolescent mental health, Postpartum Support SC and Mugs for Moms for maternal mental health and MenopauseMandateUS, chaired by Naomi Watts, for menopause education. To become part of the conversation, visit MidlifeMonologues.com and follow @hotincharleston.com. all generations can see that they are not alone. I’m really proud that Hot in Charleston and other local creatives are part of the conversation.” “This performance of Midlife Monologues has truly been an intergenerational conversation with an ensemble who convey a candid and raw dialogue confronting a range of subjects like love, loss, family and identity profoundly affected by feelings,” Devine continued. “It’s not uncommon to lose the sense of self during these all-encompassing life phases. The craven irony is that perimenopause and menopause can last for a decade or more, happening at the same time as ruptures in a woman’s life, such as coping with an empty nest, going through divorce, changing careers and/or caring for aging parents. Women and society must examine who we are when unbound from the roles we hold for others.” As a solution to that profound question, “Midlife Monologues” suggests midlife is a period for taking a creative pause in which to reconsider next moves and enlisting support for pivoting to the future with confidence. Writer and author of “Veranda: At Home in the South,” Stephanie Hunt, who read from her essay, “Ma’amed,” in the first “Midlife Monologues” and will be returning to the stage in the upcoming version, echoed that sentiment. “The dialogue about perimenopause and menopause is generating momentum as part of a broader conversation that’s gaining traction,” Hunt said. “Women are getting more vocal because we must be advocates for our daughters. This movement needs to continue by engaging, enlightening, energizing and educating. Charleston Women in the Arts Abi Carter. Midlife Monologues.
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