Program note:Femme fatale is inspired by the archetypal, stylized portrayal of women in film noir from the early 20th century. The siren song of danger and seduction characterizes a she-monster who leads men to self-destruction, an image often rooted in racist and white supremacist ideals of femininity. Perhaps it was a response to increased agency women gained during World War I as they shouldered new roles and responsibilities, highlighting the danger perceived by some in womxn's empowerment and its continued threat to the patriarchy.