In Colorado, NY Theater Company Acts to Address Dangers of ’Personhood’ Measure

The New York-based Theater Company, Words of Choice, is taking reproductive freedom stories to Colorado Voters to Raise Attention the the dangers of Ballot Measure 48, the so-called “personhood” amendment that would define life as beginning at fertilizations.

A Go-Vote Tour of WORDS OF CHOICE performs in several cities across Colorado with remaining performances from Oct. 18 through Oct. 22. The play seeks to amply “No on 48” conversations about
a state ballot measure that could result in a ban on abortion, contraception and stem cell research. It will be performed at universities, community centers and theatres in Denver, Pueblo and Colorado Springs.

Playwright Cindy Cooper’s “Words of Choice” pieces together excerpts from a dozen real stories and imaginative writings. “I wanted to break away from isolated conversations about policies and start talking about the experiences of people who will be affected by a loss of reproductive freedom,” Cooper said.
“This is a perfect opportunity to begin a broader conversation about the meaning of reproductive justice.”

An ensemble of three New York actors -- Crista Marie Jackson, Carl H. Jaynes and Claudia Schneider -- perform the 70-minute play of “Words of Choice,” under the direction of Francesca Mantani Arkus and with Casey McLain, assistant director. All performances are followed by a discussion with a special focus on the state
ballot measure. This drastic measure, asking voters to change the definition of “personhood” to the moment of fertilization, would cause a train wreck with “Roe v. Wade,” said Cooper, a former practicing lawyer who uses theater to spread the word about dangers to reproductive rights.

Writings in the play include ones by Justice Harry Blackmun and Sally Blackmun, Angela Bonavoglia, Kathleen Tolan, Alix Olson, June Jordan, Kathy Najimy, Michael David Quinn, Esosa Edosomwan, Penny Lane, Barbara Lindsay and others.

Live performances in Colorado have been slated for five campuses, as well as other faith-based or public venues. Colorado State Coordinator Rachel Becker worked along with the New York team of “Words of Choice” to create partnerships throughout the state.

The tour began in Kansas with two special benefit performances in Wichita and Hays for 1100 Torches, an organization established to honor the memory of slain activist Jana Mackey. The first Colorado performance was October 12.

Words of Choice, a nonprofit theater organization in New York, is dedicated to expanding conversations about reproductive justice and has toured 20 states in the past four years, including South Dakota, Missouri, Florida and Ohio.

For information and reservations call 303-562-0486 (VM) or visit the Words of Choice website at www.wordsofchoice.org.

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WORDS OF CHOICE
REMAINING PERFORMANCES OCT. 18-22, 2008

October 18, 7 pm, Denver CO: First Universalist Church, 4101 E. Hampden Ave.. Proceeds benefit The Freedom Fund. Pay What You Wish ($10 Donation Requested.)
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October 19, 8:30 pm, Denver: Guest appearance, Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street (excerpts).

October 20, 7 pm, Colorado Springs: University Center, UCCS, Colorado Springs CO, 1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy. Sponsored by the UCCS Anthropology Club. Free. Refreshments served.

October 21, 6 pm, Pueblo CO: Colorado State University, Pueblo CO, OUC Ballroom, sponsored by The Women’s Studies Department. Free. Refreshments served.

October 22, 7 pm, Denver CO: ACLU/ Planned Parenthood/NARAL at The Chambers Center,The Garden Room, Denver University, 1901 E. Asbury Ave., Denver. All proceeds to benefit ’No on 48.’ $25/$15 (stu/srs.) Advance order: www.brownpapertickets.com.

COLORADO INFO: 303-552-0486
For more info about Words of Choice: www.wordsofchoice.org or 212-560-2616

Contact Information

Susann Brinkley

Tour Consultant

Words of Choice

Contact via E-mail