by Kate Mattingly (Posted July 10, 2010)
“…It was a great night: the show had us consider the efforts and tribulations of fellow human beings, and then connect with those around us, to listen to others’ histories and perspectives. This is no easy task which Schoettler accomplished, but she had such a disarming way of presenting her story, it made sense to stay a little longer and get to know one another.”
Click to read the full DC Theatre Reviewo of Pushing Boundaries.
by Sophia Bushong (posted July 12, 2010)
“Sophia’s Take: Ellouise Schoettler takes the stage wearing mostly white. The theatrical set-up for ‘Pushing Boundaries’ is as simple as they come: one woman with a microphone speaking for an hour about her journey from wet-behind-the-ears North Carolina girl to Equal Rights Amendment Campaign Director. So, this single artistic choice is significant. With it, Schoettler is connecting herself and this performance to the women who marched on the mall in Washington in 1978 to demand an extension of the ERA ratification deadline. The ‘78 marchers wore white to connect themselves to the women who had marched for suffrage decades before.”
Click to read full Washington City Review of Pushing Boundaries.
by Heather Goss (posted 7/13/2010)
“…Schoettler isn’t trying to write our formal history books, but instead fill in her version of the template that many of our mothers, grandmothers, sisters and wives experienced while trying to codify women’s rights into our Constitution. Perhaps I just felt this one personally — my mother cut paths for women in the military before retiring and becoming a peace activist — but I suspect that’s the point: this is a personal story that most people in attendance should be able to identify with one way or another, and Schoettler reminds us to pass it on ourselves. And if you can’t identify, well, perhaps you’re the most important listener of all.”
Read the full text of the DCist Review of Pushing Boundaries.
by Mike Clark (Posted 7/13/2010)
“Ellouise Schoettler is a strong woman, appearing to be a typical grandmother. But her stories of growing up in the 50’s, going to college to earn her Mrs., and her transformation into a radical liberal in the 60’s are enthralling. To me, the ERA is something mentioned in passing in a high school history class. Ms. Schoettler’s memories of the time, her fears and insecurities, and the uphill battle that she helped wage is definitely a story that should be heard.
…there is a little bit for everyone. Ask your mother about the 1960s and 70s if you don’t remember that time period. I guarantee you’ll have a good talk.”