An audience of students cheered as a new musical, about women empowerment during the hardships of World War II, made its L.A. premiere on Tuesday, March 11.

“We Can Do It!”, a new show featuring three women sharing their experiences about working during the war, was just one of many programs commissioned at The Ebell of Los Angeles during March, Women’s History Month.

The Ebell of L.A. was first started in the late 19th century as an organization by women, for women, officials said.

Shining a light on women’s history and achievement, the nonprofit has a month planned full of events at its Mid-Wilshire campus.

“Women’s History Month is like every month at The Ebell,” said executive director Stacy Brightman.

The group puts on women-centric programs all year round, from lively discussions on voting rights, to clothing galleries and diverse presentations. Events aim to shine a light on women’s history, struggles, disparities and contributions to Los Angeles, officials said.

Some highlights of this year’s Women History Month programming at The Ebell include discussions about banned books, poetry series, art exhibits, and immersive public performances of “We Can Do It!”

The new show features three Rosie the Riveter characters, played by local actors, who tell stories about working with other women in traditionally male-dominated fields during the war, which “brought together women of different races in important roles,” said librettist Velina Hasu Houston in a news release.

“Because the factories were at a loss when men went to fight in the war, jobs opened up and women met the need,” Houston said.”The issue of desegregation enriched this empowerment of women (who) had a huge impact on the journey of gender in U.S. society, a journey that is long from over.”

Rosie the Riveter was a cultural icon and symbol of women’s contributions to the war effort.

“We Can Do It!” was created by Houston and composer Brooke deRosa especially for local students, organizers said. Sold-out matinee performances are planned at the Wilshire Ebell Theater through March 26, as part of the Ebell Institute’s “Living Herstory” project for local elementary schools.

The Ebell invites all to enjoy a free, public performance of “We Can Do It” on Saturday, March 29 at 10 a.m., with ticket reservations required. Free performances are also planned for Saturday, March 15 at the Playa Vista Branch Library and Saturday, March 22 at the Culver City Julian Dixon Library.

The Ebell will also host its 2nd annual symposium on women’s history in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 27, at 9 a.m. The free, all-day event will include presentations on historical figures like Betsy Brewington, the first African American woman teacher in the L.A. Unified School District, early women filmmakers, and the lack of L.A. monuments of women.

Brightman, the Ebell of L.A.’s executive director, said that history has “been largely de-womanized” or has relegated women to the background, when they should be main characters in their own stories.

“In California, women still make 89 cents for every dollar a man makes,” Brightman said. “Women are not going into civic leadership roles at the rate that men still do. They don’t see themselves in those roles because we’re not showing them that, historically, women have these roles.”

She hopes The Ebell’s inclusive programming during Women’s History Month prompts important conversations about representation, achievement and independence — and will inspire the next generation.

“There’s a direct correlation between correcting history and building a better tomorrow for girls, for everybody,” Brightman noted. “Women’s history is hidden in plain sight. Sometimes it’s by omission, but sometimes it’s been intentional erasure.”

Upcoming Ebell of Los Angeles events during March/Women’s History Month:

• March 15, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.: “We Can Do It!” public shows at the Playa Vista Branch Library, 6400 Playa Vista Dr. in Los Angeles. Free ticket reservations recommended.   
• March 18, 7:30 p.m.: “Women in the Muse,” salon series at The Ebell of L.A. $25 for non-members.
• March 20 – April 24.: “A Woman’s Place: Visual Voices,” a themed art show. A free, public opening reception is on March 20 at 6 p.m.
• March 22: “We Can Do It!” public shows at the Culver City Julian Dixon Library, 4975 Overland Ave, Culver City. Free ticket reservations recommended.
• March 23, 4 p.m.: “Banned!,” a concert by Vox Femina Los Angeles featuring adaptations of Toni Morrison’s “Beloved,” Juno Dawson’s “This Book is Gay!,” Alice in Wonderland, and Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.”  Tickets are $35-$45.
• March 27, all day: The Ebell Institute’s 2nd annual symposium on women’s history in L.A., featuring keynote speakers and presentations. Free with required registration.
• March 29, 10 a.m.: “We Can Do It!” public performance at the Wilshire Ebell Theater. Free ticket reservations required.
• March 29, 10 a.m.: Women Who Shaped Los Angeles, a 1.2-mile downtown walking tour. Walk in the footsteps of L.A.’s first female police officers, lawyers and the city’s first woman mayor. Meet at Union Station and end at the Plaza of Los Angeles. Space is limited. $10 for members, $15 for the public.

The Ebell of Los Angeles is located at 743 S. Lucerne Blvd. For tickets, reservations and all event information: ebellofla.org/calendar, (323) 931-1277 x125 or tickets@ebellofla.org.