Riverland Community College Theatre is presenting the documentary theatre work Seven, a play about seven women’s stories of triumph.

Seven is a groundbreaking work of documentary theatre that captures the remarkable lives of a diverse and courageous group of women fighting for women's and children's rights around the world. A collaboration by seven award-winning female playwrights, the play is based on personal interviews with seven women who have triumphed over enormous obstacles to bring about major changes in their home countries of Nigeria, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Cambodia, and Russia. In an era when women's rights are at the forefront of our national conversation, Seven is a commanding reminder of the transformative power of women's leadership in our world. Seven is rated PG-13 for some descriptions of violence.

Seven is written by Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Anna Deavere Smith, and Susan Yankowitz.  Susan V. Hansen directs the production. The set and lighting designer is John Deyo. The costumes are by Susan V. Hansen.

Seven features Pamela Urick as Farida Azizi, Paulina Aguirre Quijano as Anabella De Leon, Susan V. Hansen as Inez McCormack, Lia Culbert as Mukhtar Mai, Maria Cristina Aranda as Mu Sochua, and Claire Olson as Marina Pisklakova-Parker.

“The ripple effect of the strength of seven brave women overcoming their circumstances brings hope to their communities and to the world. Seven intertwines their universal stories, speaking out against injustice, corruption, and violence," Hansen said. "These ordinary women did not choose their circumstances to overcome, but are examples of how education, tolerance, community, and truth can help bring humanity to a more equal balance of human rights around the world.”

“Ultimately Seven is a hopeful story with heart and love as the play explores the untapped resource of women’s strength,” said Hansen. “There are many more voices and organizations around the world working for the human rights of women and children. These “inalienable” rights that we deserve because we live and breathe, that some of us take for granted, are not acknowledged in many parts of the world. 2018 is the 70^th Anniversary of The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and yet…there is so much need.”

Seven will be performed Feb. 28, March 1, 2, and 3 at 7 p.m. and March 4 at 2 p.m. at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre in the East Building on the Austin Campus.

Individual tickets to Seven are $13 and currently on sale at www.riverland.edu/tickets 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The online ticketing system allows customers to choose their seats and pay by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Tickets may also be purchased at the Riverland Box Office, located in room E107 in the East Building of the Austin campus. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one hour before performances. Riverland students receive two free tickets to each performance with a valid student ID. Contact the box office at 507-433-0595 or by emailing boxoffice@riverland.edu.