by Vaughn Pollman

My first theatrical experience in London turned out to be an unexpected one. Exhausted at the end of our first full day, a select few of the group decided to soldier into the theatre to watch a production of Calendar Girls. Walking into the theatre, unaware of what I was getting myself into, I was surprised by the true-life story of the Calendar Girls.

For those of you who do not know, the Calendar Girls were a group of women who met weekly as a woman's organization, and following the passing of one of the member's spouse, the women set out to honor the lost husband. They accomplished this by making a calendar, in which they pose nude, not to be confused with naked. The women bare skin, but not all. This controversial form of fundraising caught the media's eye, and the women have since raised over 4 million pounds, which is equivalent to more than 7 million dollars.

This production was perfect as an introductory experience to the London stage as it pointed out the power and strength of community and friendship. Both of these elements are essential in understanding the development of the world from one of the largest global centers.