thanks I’m looking forward to your list. By the way, the influence does not have to be benign, just widespread, and obviously they do not have to be artists (because how could an artist’s influence be anything but benign?!)

Hi, I’m writing a preface to a play and was putting together a list of the five most influential women of the 20th century. My friend suggested Frida Kahlo. I knew her art but nothing about the endless pain she suffered starting with polio as a child and then multiple back operations after her accident. It was hard even reading about it. So I am looking forward to your Opera on this courageous woman who knew how to turn pain into the light. That said, what would your list of five most influential women of the 20th century be? PS, this is the article where I learned of her injuries, hospital stays, and diaries: https://jillianhess.substack.com/p/frida-kahlos-diary