Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, or, as she is affectionately known by her throngs of fans, the Notorious RBG, recently made headlines after making a public appearance on stage Off-Broadway for an encore performance that delighted the audience.
Unfortunately, the Justice's love of opera hasn't driven her to perform. Rather, she agreed to talk to the director of the Off-Broadway show "The Originalist," which is about Justice Antonin Scalia. Though her name only comes up once in the play, it is no secret that she and the late Justice were great friends. In addition to RBG giving the audience some context, she didn't miss the chance to tell the crowd that she considers herself a "flaming feminist." She also quelled some of the anxiety surrounding her retirement, while at the same time showing off her potential second act as a comedian.
Anything You Can Do, RBG Can Do Better
Justice Ginsburg is becoming perhaps the most prolific figure in the current feminist movement. And, as such, particularly given the current makeup of the High Court, people are rather concerned that her advanced age, despite her vigorous workout routine, will necessitate her retirement.
But, during the talk after the Off-Broadway show, she was asked about whether she planned to retire soon. In response she explained:
"I'm 85 now. My senior colleague, Justice John Paul Stevens, he stepped down when he was 90, so think I have about at least five more years."
The Hilarious RBG
Although being a Supreme Court justice is a serious job, Justice Ginsburg surely has a sharp sense of humor. While still reeling from the humorous play, she told the audience about how Justice Scalia would pass her funny notes, and how the two of them bantered and challenged each other.
Also, while talking about how, in recent years, she has begun being recognized in public, akin to a celebrity, she told those in the Off-Broadway theater:
"And every once in a while, when someone comes up to me and says, 'Oh, Justice Ginsburg, you are my idol,' I say, 'Um, so many people have told me that I look just like her.' "
Related Resources:
- Movie Trailer Released for Pre-SCOTUS RBG: 'On the Basis of Sex' (FindLaw's U.S. Supreme Court Blog)
- Could You Survive the Ginsburg Workout? (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- RBG Takes the Opera Stage, to Discuss Justice (FindLaw's U.S. Supreme Court Blog)