SEVEN, a documentary play about 7 women around the world fighting for justice

A Women in the World performance and discussion, introduced by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

On the summit’s opening night, the incomparable Meryl Streep will headline an ensemble reading of SEVEN, a documentary play that tells the inspiring personal stories of women from seven countries, created by seven accomplished playwrights and inspired by conversations hosted by Vital Voices Global Partnership, a summit co-host. Our reading will be introduced by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and directed by Julie Taymor, who created The Lion King on Broadway and several celebrated feature films, including Frida and Across the Universe. SEVEN's playwrights are Anna Deavere Smith, Ruth Margraff, Gail Kriegel, Paula Cizmar, Susan Yankowitz, Carol K. Mack, and Catherine Filloux.

Seven major actresses will appear in the roles of these real-life heroines. Streep will read the role of Irish activist Inez McCormack (who, along with the other women whose stories are featured in the play, will be joining us at the summit). The other gifted actresses who’ll be participating are Shohreh Aghdashloo ( The House of Sand and Fog), Tony-nominated Julyana Soelistyo ( Golden Child), Lauren Vélez ( Dexter), Archie Panjabi ( The Good Wife), Marcia Gay Harden ( Pollack), and filmmaker Stephanie Okereke ( Through the Glass).

Following the reading, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Melanne Verveer will lead a conversation with the performers and real-life activists.

• From The Daily Beast: Read about Hillary Clinton’s fight for women’s reproductive rights abroad and Sandra McElwaine’s profile of Melanne Verveer

• Click here for a full summit agenda

• Click here to read more about the amazing lineup of Women in the World speakers