Cheri Gaulke's Acting Like Women Documents LA Woman's Building and Feminist Performance Art

The documentary Acting Like Women, directed by Cheri Gaulke, explores the Woman's Building, a significant center for feminist art and activism in Los Angeles during the 1970s and 80s. Established in 1973 by Judy Chicago, Sheila de Bretteville, and Arlene Raven, this venue was home to the Feminist Studio Workshop and offered various classes, exhibitions, and performances. Gaulke, who relocated to Los Angeles in 1975 to study performance art under Suzanne Lacy, dedicated seven years to this project, collaborating with graphic artist Anne Gauldin. Featuring insights from 50 artists and historians, including Lauren Bon and Judy Chicago, the film creatively uses still images and stop-motion animation to depict a 1983 protest by Maren Hassinger and Senga Nengudi. The Woman's Building archives (1973-91) are preserved at the Getty Research Institute, with screenings planned in several states and countries, including California and Italy.