Roe
by Zach Theatre
Apr. 05 - Apr. 30, 2023
Wednesdays-Sundays
Roe follows the story of Austin attorney Sarah Weddington in the landmark 1973 case Roe v Wade. Poignant, surprising, and with unexpected humor, Roe illuminates the difficult choices women make and the conversation happening across our nation today.
“Many people know the outcome of Roe v Wade, but how many know the details of the case or the women behind this landmark decision? Sarah Weddington and Norma McCorvey might not be household names, but their actions have affected all of us. I'm passionate about reproductive justice and access to healthcare. I'm interested in art that goes beyond the headlines and asks us to reflect on this divisive issue and its effect on democracy,“ said director Jenny Lavery in 2020, when Roe was originally slated. “In Texas and at ZACH, we will have the gift of audiences filled with patrons who stand on both sides of this issue. My hope is that our production will jumpstart conversations between them. Our fractured world needs more conversation. Specifically, more 'across the aisle' conversation. More listening. And more understanding.”
Casting for Roe includes Nisi Sturgis as Woman One; Amber Quick as Woman Two; Sandra Valls as Woman Three; Amy Downing as Woman Four; Lara Wright as Woman Five; Michelle Alexander as Woman Six; Elise Ogden as Woman Seven; Whitney Abraham as Woman Eight; Jeff Mills as Man One; Cliff Miller as Man Two; David Kroll as Man Three; Emily Wolfman as Student Actress; and Riley Richichi as Student Actress.
Bob Abelman's review of ROE at Zach Theatre, Austin, Austin Chronicle, April 12, 2023
Joni Lorraine's review of ROE at Zach Theatre, Austin Broadway World, April 18, 2023
For the 2023 production Lavery added, “Much has happened since 2020 regarding this story: a 2020 documentary was released where Norma McCorvey, in a deathbed confession, stated that the Pro-Life movement paid her to switch sides, but she was never pro-life; Sara Weddington passed away at the end of 2021; and in 2022, Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court.”
She continued, “Now in 2023, access to reproductive justice, especially in our home state of Texas, has drastically changed and we are potentially even more divided than we were three years ago. I believe we are in an even more crucial time to engage with this story so that we can make visible how we got here and where we might go next. As you watch ROE, I encourage you to ask yourself who am I in this story? What might I learn from Norma McCorvey and Sarah Weddington? As Sarah says in the play, "Now is the time for your voice".
Roe is directed by Jenny Lavery (Theatre en bloc) with assistant director Kathleen McDowell. The production team includes Michelle Ney as scenic and properties designer; Stephanie Busing as projection designer; Jenny Hanna-Chambers as costume designer; and Serret Jensen as hair and makeup designer. Rachel Atkinson is the lighting designer with Phillip Owen and Eliot Haynes as co-sound designers; Devon Muko as stage manager; and Aly Redland and Casey Boriskie as assistant stage managers.
Roe
by Lisa Loomer
Zach Theatre
April 05 - April 30, 2023
Roe will play The Topfer at ZACH Theatre, Austin, April 5–30, 2023.
Special Events in celebration of Roe:
- Pride Night – Thursday, April 6, 2023
- ASL Interpreted, Open Captioned, and Audio Described – Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 7:30pm and Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 2:30 pm
