Last year, Karen, The GPS Girl, released the first song from the album ‘Better Standard Than This’ as part of her Recalculating Misogyny/Creating Equality project, which encompasses performances and activation of the Misogyny Opus, a pop orchestral work setting Julia Gillard’s misogyny speech to music word for word. The objective is to raise awareness of the lack of equality in our society, and build a world shifting movement through performances and conversation, to create true equality for all.
Karen says “When watching the television program “Ms Represented” I learned about the history of women in Australian politics. When Annabel Crabb reaches the period of time when we have our first, and so far only, female Prime Minister Julia Gillard, she asks Ms Gillard about the impact of her iconic ‘misogyny speech.'”
“During this interview, inspiration struck like a bolt from the blue. I raced to my computer and searched for a transcript of the misogyny speech, printed it out, then ran with those papers to my piano. I put my hands on the keyboard and the music poured out of me, setting the speech to music word for word.”
“It became clear to me very quickly that this project was much bigger than me. The words from this speech could be delivered in a unique form, through music, and be able to raise awareness of the desperate need for equality for all.”
“I have been staggered to find that many people do not know the definition of the word misogyny, despite experiences being felt by women from all walks of life, including a Prime Minister.”
Not only is this the performance of a piece of music, but an educational opportunity to build a shared understanding of these behaviours. We can become advocates for others within our communicates, households and organisations.
Karen is in conversation with the state police department to develop an education-based program to deliver in schools, incorporating musical performance and this powerful message.
The live concert world premiere of the Misogyny Opus will take place in Mackay, North Queensland at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre April 29. The Recalculating Misogyny / Creating Equality headquarters is in Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays region of North Queensland. The regional tour will be routed in conjunction with regional arts officers, and organisations in regional areas working in the domestic and family violence prevention space.
Event details –
Victoria Park Function Venue
Victoria Park Garden Marquee, Herston QLD 4006
11.30am Event Registration, 12pm – 2.30pm Main Lunch Event
Key Facts:
https://karenjacobsen.com/music
https://karenjacobsen.com/misogyny-opus
About us:
International Speaker, Concert Artist and Songwriter Karen Jacobsen’s speaking voice unexpectedly led to a unique pop culture status. In over a billion GPS and smartphone devices worldwide, including the original Aussie voice of ‘Siri’, hers is the voice of reason, telling us where to go and what to do on a daily basis. In real life, through her timeless, cinematic songs, piano driven concert performances and empowering speaking presentations, she entertains and inspires people to recalculate their way to their dream destination in life.
