Short Plays on Reproductive Freedom

Short Plays on Reproductive Freedom offers 34 short works for performance to recognize and celebrate the fundamental human right to bodily autonomy. From a wide diversity of writers, the works in this powerful collection, each approximately five minutes long, explore reproductive rights, health, freedom and justice. These beautiful works generate vibrant new conversations on vital topics that are at the forefront of public discussions today. 


We invite you to be taken away by these writings. They spark the imagination and stir the soul, and are rewarding reading, alone or in a group. They also can be magically combined and tailored to events, all by arrangement with the individual authors.


The various works address pregnancy, abortion, contraception, birthing, adoption, parenthood, nonparenthood, healthcare, politics, imprisonment, cancer, aging, rape, racism, street harassment, illness, medical care, activism, leadership, stigma, history, clinics, antiabortion terrorism, community building, bodily autonomy, friendship, sisterhood, individuality, absurdity and imagined futures and all-too-real pasts. The writings engage readers and listeners with storytelling of all sorts and types. 


The selections include monologues and dialogue-driven work, spoken word, performable essays, poems and lyrics, both comedic and dramatic. All were included in a live streaming, international Reproductive Freedom Festival.


The term “reproductive freedom,” which headlines this collection, is an expression of the universal values of bodily autonomy and self-determination. Reproductive freedom represents the individual’s right to be free from government intrusion, as well as from outside force, danger or judgment on matters of reproductive decision-making. 


At a time where our reproductive freedoms are being challenged and stigmatized, these selections raise the voices of talented writers and open new doors to the important role of culture in bringing vibrant stories to the public about human rights and social justice.


The volume is curated by award-winning theater artist, playwright and producer Cindy Cooper with performer, artistic consultant and director Stacey Linnartz, both based in New York City. 


The short plays and performance pieces are divided into six general sections: Heroines; Next Generations; Conflicts; Body Politics; Discoveries, and What We Know. In addition, three special sections add to the collection – Ireland 2016, Song Lyrics and Additional Selections.


The writers in this collection include: Grisel Acosta, Judith Arcana, Marcy Arlin, Melissa Bell, Angela Bonavoglia, Stephen Cedars, Kitty Chen, Ellen Cohen, Cindy Cooper, Allie Costa, Marjorie Duffield, Jessica Feder-Birnbaum, Anne Flanagan, Nicole Goodwin, Yvette Heyliger, Home│Work Collective, Henry Howard, Michael angel Johnson, Mildred Lewis, Samantha Lierens, Jessica Litwak, Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh, Junita Middleton, Debbie Miller, Winter Miller, Alix Olson, Marge Piercy, Jeremy Rishe, Mercedes Sanchez, Laura A. Shamas, Laura Zlatos.