Brazen Faced Varlets presents WORDS OF CHOICE.
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” – Thomas Jefferson.
Brazen-Faced Varlets, a Buffalo-based feminist thespian troupe which promotes artistic growth, announced the receipt of a Pro-Choice Foundation grant to produce and present WORDS OF CHOICE!
WORDS OF CHOICE, arranged by Cindy Cooper, includes excerpts from the works of many advocates of reproductive freedom. The production has been showcased all around the country, creating a venue for discussing and promoting women’s reproductive rights. This is the first time that the piece is being done in Buffalo. Ironically, the production coincides with January 22 anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
Roe v. Wade, was a case decided in 1973 by the U.S. Supreme Court. Along with Doe v. Bolton, this decision legalized abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy. The decision, written by Justice Harry Blackmun and based on the residual right of privacy, struck down dozens of state antiabortion statutes. The decision was based on two cases; that of an unmarried woman from Texas, where abortion was illegal unless the mother’s life was at risk, and that of a poor, married mother of three from Georgia, where state law required permission for an abortion from a panel of doctors and hospital officials. Roe v. Wade established the right to an abortion, but the decision gave states the right to intervene in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy to protect the woman and the “potential” life of the unborn child.
Thus the historic case also set up the confrontation between the “pro-life” and “pro-choice” forces which have dominated the national political scene for the past 40 years.
“WORDS OF CHOICE is yet another example of how live theatre can and should inform our society of the issues which can affect our daily lives,” said director Kelly M. Beuth. “A theatrical experience like this helps to empower everyone, and especially women, to know they are not alone in the struggle to control their own destiny, and that together we can protect and defend our rights.”
WORDS OF CHOICE will be presented by the Varlets for THREE PERFORMANCES ONLY January 20, 21 & 22, ironically coinciding with the anniversary of the January 22nd decision in Roe v. Wade. All three performances will begin at 7:30pm at HALLWALLS, 341 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo.
The performance is directed by Kelly M. Beuth and features Diane DiBernardo, Wendy Hall, Paul McGinnis, Brittany Kucala, Kate Olena, Amelia Scinta, Jennifer Arroyo, Jenny Gembka, Theresa DiMuro Wilber and Amy Wrzos.
All tickets are $12. There are no reservations or presale tickets. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Additional sponsorship for the event is provided by Buffalo Womenservices. A portion of the proceeds from this project will be donated to Planned Parenthood of Western New York.