Harvard troupe to allow women

Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding theatre troupe, the US’ oldest collegiate theatrical organisation, announced Thursday it will allow women to join its cast from next year.

Amira Weeks, the group’s student president, made the announcement at the start of a comedic roast celebrating actor Mila Kunis, who was named the organisation’s Woman of the Year. The 223-year-old group is known for comedic revues that feature men in drag playing female characters.

“The Hasty Pudding welcomes women to audition and to give equal opportunity to play those roles based on the quality of their individual talents,” Weeks said, reading from a letter issued by the organisation’s governing board. “While we have great respect for the art form as it’s been presented by the Pudding for over 170 years, the world is in a very different place. We are very proud to take this organisation forward as a leader in women’s rights and gender equality.” —AP