The Penelope Project Weaves Together Women Artists, Music and Film to Tell Stories of Women, by Women

Inspired by the character Penelope from Homer’s The Odyssey, the film Penelope illuminates the contributions of women to the arts today. I’m thrilled to share with you some of the thoughts and ideas of the creators of Penelope in a series of behind the scenes interviews with the artists. Our second artist interview is with Frances Rabalais, director of the Penelope. Thank you Frances for your valuable insights.

Do you personally relate to the character of Penelope or her story? How so?

What really drew me into this piece was the idea of viewing Penelope's story, and connecting with Penelope's story, as a contemporary woman. Penelope is not a side character in Odysseus' story, she's the main character in her own story.

Where are you drawing inspiration from for your role in the project?

I'm pulling from all the mental movies in my head that I saw when reading novels and mythology as a child. I am still proud that I earned recognition in the National Mythology Exam as a middle schooler, so working on the Penelope Project is my interests coming full circle.

What do you want audiences to experience or feel when they interact with the film of Penelope?

I hope someone in the audience sees it and then is excited to view more art, be it classical music or a piece of film.

Do you think women bring something different to the arts as opposed to their male counterparts?

Women have to fight for the right to bring their voice to the arts. Doubly so if they are also a person of color, part of the queer comunnity, or claim other intersecting identities. The fact is that a white manis still seen as the default, as the normal. It's clear that men still expect to see themselves as the protagonist in all stories.

Thank you Frances! You can learn more and Help the Project by making a donation on the GoFundMe page today.