History Theatre produces play by Como resident

History Theatre is producing the world premiere of a play by Como Park resident and Presbyterian pastor Kristine Holmgren. “God Girl” tells Holmgren’s story of being one of the first large classes of women accepted to the Master of Divinity program at an elite Ivy League seminary. In 1975, when the war in Vietnam was over and the women’s liberation movement was in full swing, a bright, spirited Macalester graduate decided to change the world starting with her ordination to ministry.

This new play reflects on the hard work, humor and heartbreak experienced by the women who dared to break through the stained glass ceiling within the protestant church. The play tells the stories of women who felt assaulted, rather than nourished, within the seminary walls. Physical attacks, humiliation, sexual harassment and inappropriate use of power are a few of the realities Holmgren and her classmates experienced, and are portrayed in the play.

“My story is one of perseverance, tenacity, outrageous hope and determination,” Holmgren shared. “I had people in my life who told me that it was important and … we knew we were making history. We knew we were changing things.”

“I found Kristine’s story to be dramatic and it struck a chord with me. It became clear that the women of the 21st Century and women of Kristine’s 'baby boomer' generation see gender issues quite differently. It is almost as if the 'women's lib'  movement of the ‘60s and ‘70s have been forgotten. As a result, I found myself totally engaged in bringing Kristine’s story to the History Theatre stage,” said History Theatre Artistic Director Ron Peluso.

Although Holmgren has retired from active ministry, she still feels she is making a difference through her plays. Her stories deal with people and circumstances and provoke thought.

“I hope to be having an impact. It’s what my life is about. I went into the ministry to change the world. Everything I’ve done, I’ve done to try and inform myself on how to be a better person, how to make a difference wherever I am, and this playwriting has certainly been that way,” she said.

“God Girl” is playing Thursdays through Sundays, through Mar. 1 at the History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St. Call the box office at 651.292.4323 or visit www.historytheatre.com/tickets.