In 1997 Dawn "Sam" Alden staged four performances billed as Babes With Blades: An Evening of Women Wielding Weapons as a showcase for female stage combatants in the Chicago area. Thereafter, Babes With Blades was formally incorporated as a theater company whose mission statement read:
"...to expand opportunities for women in the world of stage combat. By exploring theatrical violence as a storytelling tool and as a means to entertain, educate, and enlighten, we challenge traditional expectations, push personal limitations, and celebrate the historical role of the woman warrior and her modern evolution."
Since the late 1990s, the company has worked with other Chicago-based arts organizations to develop resources and promote awareness in the field of women's stage combat. Two collaborations with resulted in new scripts written for female actor-combatants, and Babes With Blades' own playwriting initiatives continue to generate new works focused on female characters in strong, complex dramatic and comedic roles. In addition to theatrical productions, the company's promotional and educational projects include stage combat and acting workshops, appearances at festivals and in the media, newsletters and demonstrations.
Joining Sword and Pen International Playwriting Competition
The Joining Sword and Pen competition was established in 2005, in an effort to promote the writing of scripts and the production of plays with physical stage combat roles for women. The inaugural theme was proposed by Society of American Fight Directors Fight Master David Woolley, inspired by Emile Bayard’s painting entitled An Affair of Honor, depicting a duel between two women on a secluded country road. Since inception, the competition has been held bi-annually, with the winning play receiving the Margaret Martin Award and being produced as part of the company's theatrical season. All entries are inspired by particular works of art chosen for the competition, and must have women in most or all of the primary roles, and featured in most or all of the combat.
Joining Sword and Pen Playwriting Competition winners
2017/2018: Arthur M. Jolly for The Lady Demands Satisfaction
