In 1965, Janis Ian, a 14-year-old singer-songwriter from New Jersey, wrote “Society’s Child” about an interracial relationship. Recorded and released a year later, the song launched Ian's career, but its subject matter ignited controversy, even resulting in death threats. The fallout plunged Ian into an emotional tailspin–and yet a few years later she emerged from the ashes with an even bigger hit, “At Seventeen.” Over six decades, Janis Ian gained ten Grammy nominations in eight different categories, saw her song “Stars” recorded by such luminaries as Nina Simone and Cher, and overcame homophobia, misogyny, and a life-threatening illness to produce an indelible body of work that continues to draw audiences around the globe.
Join us for a screening of Breaking Silence, which made its world premiere at the DOC NYC Festival in November 2024. Featuring a star-studded lineup of interviews, including Lily Tomlin, Joan Baes, Arlo Guthrie, Jean Smart, Laurie Metcalf and more, the film contains archival footage and stills, animations, and new interview with Janis. It follows her life, showing how her politically active parents influenced her songwriting, particularly with the song “Society’s Child.”
Along with her musical accomplishments, the film gives an intimate look into Ian’s relationships, the challenged she faced within the music industry and the struggles to hide her sexual identity before coming out as a lesbian during the release of her album Breaking Silence in 1993.
Janis Ian will be present for a Q&A session with WXPN's Dan Reed after the film.
Artist Website
Dan Reed has been a staple at WXPN in Philadelphia since 2004. His radio path includes stops at WFPK, WNCW, WNKU, and the legendary WOXY/97X. Before WXPN, he spent five years in the concert industry as a production manager, booker, and promoter rep, deepening his connection to live music. That passion began in high school and has fueled every chapter since.
Dan hosts WXPN’s “Funky Friday” and curates “Highs in the 70s,” airing weeknights at 6 p.m.—bringing joy and groove to listeners with a contagious love for 70s tunes. A proud member of WXPN’s creative team, he’s always cooking up new ways to connect with listeners. For Dan, music makes everything better.
Artist website
The cabaret and through row D are reserved for Theater Members until one month before the show. If you are a Theater Member, select your tickets using the price code that matches your Membership level and enter your Member ID into the Membership box on the checkout page. To inquire about Membership, call our Box Office at 215-257-5808 or click here.
