As of today, the right to abortion is not protected under the U.S. Constitution. In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, triggering an intense debate nationwide that has divided politicians, activists, and the general public. Even though the federal constitutional right to abortion is no longer guaranteed, some state constitutions protect abortion rights. A Fundamental Right to Choose is a play that focuses on the experiences of five women in different states facing abortion decisions.
The five characters tell their stories in an interview with Taylor (Isabel Kret). For every story, there is a flashback. The pressing situations experienced by the characters are medical emergencies, rape, and, in one case, an unwanted pregnancy. Playwright Jennifer Taylor presents the enormous emotional and economical challenges women and their partners (both men and women) face when they live in states where abortion is illegal.
In one of the stories, Taylor includes a doctor’s perspective on abortion. Due to the legislation, medical personnel that perform an abortion can be charged with fines and jail time. In that particular story, the doctor has to decide whether to provide or deny emergency treatment to the female in question.
One point to keep in mind is that Taylor presents the abortion ban not only as an issue for the pregnant woman, but also the overall effects on their partners, in many cases, men. The play shows that abortion might be the only option in many emergency cases to save a woman’s life, a reason why many men support this procedure.
Taylor takes a brave stance on what she believes. The current federal ban has triggered a legislative and philosophical debate on women’s rights, life, and who should decide to terminate a pregnancy. In this instance, Taylor is compelled to illustrate the urgency of taking action to protect a woman’s right to decide. Pro-choice, pro-life; the debate is on and will continue for years to come. Where do you stand?
Technically speaking, the flashbacks require a change of set furniture, which becomes a bit of a challenge due to the small space of the stage, breaking the fluidity of the transitions. The acting offers some interesting combination of experienced and new performers. Some of the most intense scenes involve Charly Taylor, Philip Latini, Delante Desouza, and Ama Konadu. Another experienced actress in the play is Eugenia Kuzmina.
A Fundamental Right to Choose
Living Truth Theater
2401 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506
Sept 13th to Oct 19th 2024
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM.
Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/c15205b8-8abb-4ac4-98a9-120c104ab778
Written and directed by Jennifer Taylor.
Cast: Isabel Kret, Ama Konadu, Andy Karandganian, Charly M. Taylor, Delante Desouza, Eugenia Kuzmina, Jordan Whitney Shoemaker, Katie Kay, Richard Manriquez, Scott Alin, Sergio Lanza, and Philip Latini.
