A Tribute to Jewel

The Member Spotlight for February is a Tribute to Jewel Seehaus-Fisher, longtime member and contributor to the International Centre for Women Playwrights.  Jewel was an adjunct professor of English at Rutgers University as well as Artistic Director of Teachers Theater. Twice recipient of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowship in Playwriting, Jewel was a talented and prolific writer whose plays and opera librettos have been produced around the country. I could give a lengthy description of Jewel's many productions, awards, memberships, and academic and theatrical positions. However, her best tribute is the words of those who knew and loved her.

Jewel was a dear friend of mine for more than twenty years. . . . She was kind, generous, loving, talented, funny and always supportive of my work and the work of other playwrights. I had seen her with her daughter Mavis at her new opera in NYC just days before her life was ended so suddenly and senselessly. I will always miss her and carry her memory in my heart.

Donna Spector

Jewel was known to me through the network of international women writers. Her independent spirit and huge intelligence was a constant support to members and many us of felt we knew her well even without meeting her. This is testament to her success in reaching out to so many. We shall miss her. She was indeed a precious jewel whose worth is far more than rubies.

Julia Pascal

She was a friend and colleague of mine, and a true lady of the theatre.She will be greatly missed. 

Rachel Rubin Ladutke

I’ve always been amazed at her ability, the power of her work, and her willingness to improve her craft and her constant commitment to a number of different theaters and projects over the years.

John Pietrowski, Director, Playwrights Theater of New Jersey

Besides her artistic contributions, Jewel was always ready to donate her time to The Theater Project. I am sure she was equally generous to the other arts groups she belonged to. . . .  Jewel was an extraordinarily loving and supportive colleague. . . . We will never forget her generosity of spirit, her artistry and her affection.

Mark Spina, Artistic Director, Theatre Project

Sophia Romma, Vice President of ICWP, was able to give a fitting tribute to Jewel at the reading of her play Anthrax at the TheatreLab in New York City on February 16

Remember that March 8 is International Women's Day and Saturday, March 28, 2015 is the official date for the 8th International SWAN Day (Support Women Artists Now.)  SWAN Day has very successfully highlighted women's diversity and creativity in the arts. There have been over 1,200 SWAN Day events in 24 countries during its first seven years.  WomenArts has a directory where you can find or register events.   You can also find it on Facebook. 

Yours for innovative, engaging, and equitable theater.

Mona Curtis