DC Theater Arts: Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater has announced Molly Smith’s final production before she steps down as artistic director: My Body No Choice, which features monologues from eight of America’s most dynamic female playwrights on women’s choices on the autonomy of their bodies.
4 comments:
Having grown up in DC, this article immediately caught my attention. I have gone to many productions at Arena stage and am always amazed by the productions that they are put on. I vaguely heard about Molly Smith stepping down as artistic director. I remember being surprised and am continually surprised about the fact that she is stepping down. It is also admirable that her last production will be about promoting the importance of bodily female rights and creating a show that challenges the social norms of today’s society, through a work of art. I am hopeful that when I go home for Fall break I will be able to go and see this production. I have a feeling I would enjoy the atmosphere and the production fully, especially since it’s relatively close to my neighborhood and is easily accessible. I thoroughly enjoy going to see theatre, especially in city’s like DC, so I am excited to see this production specifically once it opens.
This show, now of all times to present and perform it, is extremely important. The current political climate has decided that women’s bodies are a playground for their laws. I have always believed that one of the biggest agents of change in society is art. Hearing first hand accounts from women is especially necessary when presenting a piece like this. I cannot count how many times I have seen a play about a particular oppressed group only to find out the book was written by a straight white cis man. Every detail matters with this piece which is something I really enjoy. The 18 performances for 18 years of life prior to voting, the $18 tickets for the same reason, and the outlet for women to voice their opinions. It is odd that the playwrights chose to mix fiction and nonfiction stories together for this. I feel as though maybe it would be more empowering if all the stories were true, which I am sure they are in some capacity but not to these women specifically.
I was drawn to this article because it presented some ideas that weren't entirely familiar to me. Particularly, reading the article the first time over, the comparison to gay rights and gay normalization stood out to me - I know gay people and have gay friends, but I know no one who may have struggled with abortion, autonomy over their body, or something similar. It never occurred to me why that may be until now. As Smith is quoted in the article, it really is necessary now, more than ever, for theater professionals to tell the stories of women who have struggled with control over their body and abortion. The structure of the performance broken up into short stories seems like a great choice to deliver such a message - I can only imagine how powerful the final product will be. To include 18 videos made by other individuals at the end of the production is also a great way to help get other voices heard. I believe that this production has great potential, and I hope it is a great success.
I feel like this is quite a fitting piece for Molly Smith to end her time at Arena Stage. Not only is it new and daring, but it is representative of the times we are living in. Molly Smith is right, talking about abortion can help normalize it, and help others understand why it is healthcare. I feel like the gay rights comparison is a good one, but let’s also look at how we handle mental health issues now. People are more likely to say that they are seeing a therapist, are actively getting help, or have gotten help in the past. Talking about it is no longer seen as taboo because people are talking about it more and explaining how it has helped them, this is especially true for the younger generations. Hopefully this piece will help encourage the conversation and maybe change so hearts and minds at the same time.
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