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Reproductive Freedom Film and Discussion; Words of Choice, April
3, NYC; Abortion, Birth Control, Pro-Choice Actions
“Words of Choice on Film” will be screened at Bluestockings
Bookstore, 172 Allen Street in New York City on Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 7 p.m. The one-hour film will be followed by a
discussion about reproductive freedom with artists and activists.
“Words of Choice on Film” is an adaptation
of a widely-seen touring theatrical program. Three actresses perform a dozen stories, serious and comic, about contraception,
abortion, pregnancy, the religious right, and the fight for reproductive control. The film adaptation, produced by Linda Haskins,
includes archival photo-graphy from Bettye Lane, Lisa Link and Dorothy Fadiman.
Joining
the post-screening discussion will be:
*Cindy Cooper, creator
of Words of Choice;
*Stephanie Morin of the Women’s Liberation Birth Control Project, which is fighting for
affordable, accessible contraception;
*Bree Wellwood of the Haven Coalition, which finds shelter in the for needy
women and girls who come to the New York for abortion services;
*Anita Schillhorn van Veen & Diana Witten, co-producers
of a film-in-progress, “Vessel,” about Rebecca Gomperts and the Women on Waves ship.
"Words of Choice
on Film" has won praise from critics. “A potent mix,” said Eleanor Bader, in Z Magazine. "Advocates of reproductive
freedom will find much here to fuel discussion.” Video Librarian. “A great resource to show what choice means
in a creative and dramatic way.” Naral Pro-Choice NY. “Honest, heartbreaking and witty.” Barbara Becker,
Equal Shot.
Writers include Angela Bonavoglia, Kathy Najimy, Judith Arcana, Michael David Quinn, Kathleen Tolan, The
Onion, Emily Lyons. Among the stories:
-A parent recounts a daughter’s rape and the feelings it provokes.
-A
pregnant teen tries to remember the phone number of the father from their one-night stand.
-A newscaster describes the
greatest contraceptive invention yet - the morning-after burrito.
This event is presented in conjunction with SWAN
-- Support Women Artists Now, an initiative of the Fund for Women Artists.
There is no door charge; a basket will
be passed.
Events:
April 3, 7 p.m.
Film Screening and Discussion about Reproductive Freedom, Arts and Actions
Bluestockings Bookstore
172 Allen Street
New York City
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Words of Choice Workshop at 5th Annual Grassroots Media Conference--NYC,
March 2, 2008 at Hunter College
At "Speaking Truth to Power: MEDIA JUSTICE IN OUR COMMUNITIES," the Fifth Annual Grassroots Media Conference on
Sunday March 2, 2008, Words of Choice artists will present a special interactive workshop on reproductive justice
at 2:45 pm. The hour and a half workshop, Reproductive Freedom: Using Theater
and Alternative Media to Activate Pro-Choice Perspectives, includes brainstorming, DVD selections and creative exercises. Presenting artists include: Cindy Cooper, Suzanne Grossman and Jaye Austin Williams.
The conference is being held at Hunter College West Building, 68th Street and Lexington Ave. (#6 train.)
The entire conferece, with more than three dozen workshops on alternative media and media justice topics, will run from 9
a.m. to 6 p.m., and is sponsored by the NYC Grassroots Media Coaltion.
"The conference seeks to provde a space to learn about media policy, share skills, network and bridge the gap between
local grassroots media making and social justice organizing," according to conference coordinators.
________________________________________
Words of Choice Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade at Judson Memorial Church on
Jan. 27 at 11 a.m.
To mark the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that stopped states from making all abortions
illegal, Words of Choice will present a 20-minute selection of short works
at the Historic Judson Memorial Church at 55 Washington Square Park South in New York City on January
27, at 11 a.m.
Included in the works will be Letters to Justice Blackmun, a series of excerpts of mail written to
the author of Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court is said to have received more mail about Roe than any
other decision. The letters, selected from archives by Justice Blackmun's daughter, Sally, and arranged by Cindy Cooper
with quotes from the justice, portray the praise and criticism that he received.
The historic Judson Memorial Church was the site of the Clergy Consultation Service, founded by Rev. Howard
Moody and others, and which helped women locate safe abortions before Roe was decided. Current minister Donna
Schaper (2006- ) is dedicated to providing "spiritual nurture for public capacity" for Judson's growing congregation.
The Words of Choice presentation, directed by Francesca Mantani Arkus,
will feature Patricia A. Chilsen, Carl H. Jaynes and Jaye Austin Williams.
The presentation, part of the Sunday service, is free and open to the public.
_________________________________
December 2007
Guest Blogger Ariel Dougherty Brings Films to Light
Ariel Dougherty, co-founder of Women Make Movies, joined the Words of Choice blog as its first Guest Blogger. In
"Look See Learning from Films," Ariel drew attention to "The Other Side of the Fence," a 1995 movie by a pro-choice filmmaker
who gets to know an anti-abortion protestor.
She also gives tips on other important choice films and resources.
____________________________________
November 2007
Artistic Investigations of Reproductive Rights! AIRR for the movement on a BLOG!
Words of Choice began a blog, CREATIVITY UP! to highlight ideas, resources, and people for using the arts to
make a difference on reproductive choice by using the arts.
Early entries explain the importance of the arts in communicating ideas about social justice; resources for historical
research and photos about the reproductive justice movement; an easy way of turning any space into an enticing "choice" venue,
and how to find the premiere photographer of women's marches in the '60s and '70s.
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Web Wire: New Works, Creativity Workshop Read on this Link
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Abortion, Pregnancy, Sex, Contraception:
Words of Choice New Works Tackle All Aspects of Reproductive Freedom
October 26, 2007
"Letters to Justice Blackmun" and a dozen other pieces are among the works that Words of Choice will present
in an Evening of New Works on Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 7 p.m. in New York.
In its first open submissions opportunity, "Words of Choice," which is dedicated to artistic explorations of women's
freedom and choice, received 150 selections from across the country. Fifteen were selected for the reading.
Writers included in the evening are: Judith Arcana, Marcy Bloom, Kim Bouchard, Meghan Brill, Caitlin Brock, Ellen Chesler,
Esosa Edosomwan, Tia Federica, Gloria Feldt, Sheri Graubart, Babs Linssay, Maisie McAdoo, Nikki Roberti and Mary Ann Sorrentino.
Francesca Mantani Arkus will direct. The ensemble of actors is composed of Patricia A. Chilsen, Christopher E.
Burris, Esosa Edosomwan, Carl H. Jaynes, Nairoby Otero.
"People wrote about sex, self-esteem, abortion, and the challenges of life -- a fascinating collection of material,"
said Cindy Cooper, founder of Words of Choice and creator a touring collection of works, now on DVD.
The writings include nonfiction, spoken word, theater, and poetry. "The Company She Keeps" by Ellen Chesler, adapted
from her book, tells of the historic arrest of Margaret Sanger for distributing birth control information. A selection
by Judith Arcana describes the all-too-common worries of women across the country. Eighteen-year old Nikki Roberti writes
about a girl's decision to carry a pregnancy to term, while Maisie McAdoo portrays a teen and her boyfriend who get parental
support in the decision to have an abortion.
"Letters to Justice Blackmun," drawn from his archives by his daughter, Sally Blackmun, has a pastiche of the messages,
positive and negative, that the Supreme Court Justice received after writing the decision in "Roe v. Wade," interwoven
with other comments and quotes.
Much of the writing is summed up in a piece by Marcy Bloom of Seattle, said Cooper: "Life is complext ... and I
have never known any significant life decision to be simple or easy. Have you?"
The Evening of New Works will be at The TACT Studio, 900 Broadway, Suite 905. Tickets may be purchased online at
Appearances for $5-$15, or reserved at 212-560-2616.
In addition, Words of Choice will be presenting a Creativity Workshop on reproductive rights on Sunday, October
28, 2007 at 2 p.m. Three artists from Words of Choice -- Cindy Cooper, Suzanne Grossman and Francesca Mantani
Arkus -- will lead writing and performance exercises and artistic investigations in reproductive rights.
The Creativity Workshop on reproductive rights is open to the public. It will take place at The TACT Studio, 900
Broadway, Suite 905. Reservations may be made online.
On Saturday, October 27, 2007 at 5 pm, Words of Choice will present an additional six selections in an Experimental
Reading at the World Culture Open. The writings are by Mellanie Booth, Maxine Kern, Luke Oshier, Brandon Patterson,
Vanessa Rodriguez and Judy Williams. DVD selections will also be included. The World Culture Open is at 19
W. 26th Street, 5th Fl. Admission is free.
The weekend of events mark a launch of the Words of Choice DVD, now available for distribution by the National Film Network.
----------------------------------------------------
October 9, 2007
Words of Choice
DVD Launch in NYC on October 19
Puts Focus on Reproductive Justice Needs
at A Critical Time
The DVD version of “Words of Choice,” released in time for the primary campaign season will
be launched at a Screening and Reception on October 19, 2007 at 7 pm at The Helen Mills Theater, 139 W. 26th Street
in Manhattan. The DVD tells stories of women’s lives and aims to keep the
struggle for reproductive justice on the front burner.
Joining in a post-screening
discussion will be Emily Lyons, the Alabama nurse who was bombed at the clinic where she worked, and Angela Bonavoglia, author
of “The Choices We Made” with interviews with celebrities and others about their abortion decisions. Cindy Cooper, creator of Words of Choice, will moderate.
The 2008 political campaigns,
already in gear, will have an exceptional impact on women’s futures. The
next president, members of Congress, governors and state legislators will be charged with a multitude of decisions that will
affect access to reproductive health care, contraception, abortion and the right to privacy.
The “Words of
Choice DVD” is an adaptation of a widely-seen stage performance that has toured to approximately 50 cities and 20 states.
The stories in it -- humorous, poignant and serious -- are compiled from a dozen writers and cover hot-button topics ranging
from abortion to emergency contraception, the Religious Right and stem-cell research.
In one selection, a pregnant teen tries to remember the phone number of a one-night stand; in another, a man talks
about his feelings after his daughter is raped.
The DVD “transforms embattled discussions about choice into honest, heartbreaking and witty insights on real
women and their lives,” said Barbara Becker, founder of Equal Shot, a New York social justice and communications firm. “It leaves you with renewed hope and passion,” she added.
The “Words of Choice
DVD” is especially useful for college, activist and community groups, said Cooper.
“These stories help people connect real-life experiences to issues in the news.
The DVD opens new conversations about the importance of reproductive freedom in this country.”
Produced by Linda (Sam)
Haskins of Take Ten Productions in Kansas, the DVD includes photography by Dorothy Fadiman, Bettye Lane and Lisa Link, interviews
and a Discussion Guide. Featured actors are Thomasina Clarke, Kimberly Mason
and Jacqueline Masei; writers include Kathy Najimy, Kathleen Tolan, Michael David Quinn, Sherica White, Emile Townes, Judith
Arcana, “The Onion,” and Alix Olson, as well as Bonavoglia and Lyons. The
DVD is distributed by the National Film Network.
Tickets to the “Words
of Choice DVD” Launch are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/20154 Prices are by voluntary donation of $10/$25/$50. Students, seniors and pro-choice activists are eligible for
discounts.
Words of Choice is also
planning “An Evening of New Works by Words of Choice” on October 28 at 7 pm and a Creativity Workshop on October
28 at 2 pm. See Workshops
For more information: see
Words DVD LAUNCH Oct 19 2007 NYC!
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June 24 2007
Words of Choice, in conjunction with the New Leadership Networking Institute of the Civil Liberties and Public
Policy Program of Hampshire College will present a Creativity and Reproductive Justice Workshop. Led my Suzanne Grossman
and Cindy Cooper, the workshop will explore how the use of the arts can express and share views of reproductive freedom and
civil liberties.
The program is a part of the Words of Choice initiative AIRR: Artistic Investigations in Reproductive Rights. Read
more Workshops_______________________________________________
June 12 2007
WORDS of CHOICE prepares to launch DVD. Filmed in Kansas and New York and produced by Linda "Sam" Haskins and TakeTen
Productions Inc., this exciting DVD presents performances and highlights, with historical footage, interviews and
discussion exercises, is ready to go. More details are coming every day! For information DVD Version
________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________
Date: October 14, 2006
Pro-Choice Theater Heads to South Dakota on Eve of Abortion Vote
“Words
of Choice” Puts Electoral Issues on Stage
“Words of Choice,” a play
of poignant tales of reproductive freedom, will be performed throughout South Dakota from October 20 to 27, just two weeks
before a critical vote in the state.
The presentation is part of a “Go Vote” tour by “Words of
Choice” in South Dakota as voters take to the polls to stop a near total-ban on abortion passed by the legislature in
Februay by voting against Referred Law 6. A "no" vote will stop the anti-abortion
law, while a “yes” vote will place the ban on the books and make providing an abortion into a felony. Read more: Why South Dakota?
Created by playwright and journalist Cindy Cooper, "Words of Choice" is a 70-minute
collection of passionate, comic and dramatic stories by a diverse group of writers.
The performance is followed by a discussion, which will be led by Cooper and local activists. All ticket income supports pro-choice organizations in South Dakota.
The stories touch upon many in-the-news topics in this election season: emergency
contraception, sexual assault, unintended pregnancy, abstinence education and bans on safe abortion procedures. In one sequence, a father describes his feelings after learning of his daughter’s rape; in others,
a pregnant teen tries to recall the phone number of her date, a woman grapples with a severe fetal anomaly, and, in a more
comic vein, a news broadcaster describes the release of the world’s greatest contraceptive invention, the morning-after
burrito. Read more: Choice Words
“I wanted to break open the conversations on reproductive rights,”
said Cooper. “The play moves out from political ‘debate’ to
first-hand experiences – serious and humorous – that reflect women’s real lives. So many women – and men -- are affected very personally, and in so many ways by reproductive freedom. Perspective is desperately needed, and it’s time to cut through the rhetoric
and talk candidly about these issues and how we envision our future as individuals and a society.” Read more: On the Road with Choice and Reproductive Rights and the Arts
“Words of Choice” – called “smart, funny, endangered”
-- has previously been performed in two dozen states, including Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Missouri, appearing
on campuses, in faith-based institutions, theaters and community centers. The
Kansas State Collegian wrote that the evening “presents a golden opportunity for proactive dialogue about one of the
most divisive issues in our nation.” Read more: Articles and More articles and What People Say
The performance in South Dakota will feature New York
actors Bekka Lindstrom, Carl H. Jaynes and Marilyn Torres, with music by Suzanne Grossman.
The production was directed by Francesca Mantani Arkus. Read more: http://home.earthlink.net/~wordsofchoice/id27.html
Writers included in the “Words of Choice” include Angela Bonavoglia, Kathy Najimy, Alix Olson, Sherica White,
Justice Blackmun, Emilie Townes, The Onion, Judith Arcana, Michael Quinn, Kathleen
Tolan, Gloria Feldt, Emily Lyons. Read more: Who We Are
Productions of “Words of Choice” will appear in Sioux Falls (Friday,
Oct. 20 at 7 pm); Augustana
College in Sioux Falls (Sat. Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.);
Brookings (Mon. Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.), University
of South Dakota in Vermillion (Tues. Oct. 24 at 6:30
p.m.) Rapid City (Thurs.
Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.; and Frida Oct. 27 at 7:30 pm. Sponsoring groups include SD Naral, Planned Parenthood in South Dakota,
Brookings chapter of the American Association of University Women, USD and Augustana Vox chapters, and others. Read
more: Appearances
All performances are open to the public. Tickets are available for free or
at modest prices of $2.00 to $5.00. The costs of the performances are being paid
by Words of Choice, Inc. from grants and donations. All ticket income goes directly
to pro-choice organizations and activities in South Dakota.
Words of Choice, Inc. is a nonprofit theater company, located in New
York.
For more information about “Words of Choice,” visit tp://www.wordsofchoice.org or call the Words of Choice South Dakota Hotline at 605-595-5160 OR 212-560-2616.
______________________________________
Information: Caitlin Collier
605-624-8060
sdwordsofchoice@yahoo.com
09-13-2006
Pro-Choice Play to Tour South Dakota
“Words of Choice”
Puts Electoral Issues on Stage
“Words of Choice,” a play of poignant tales of reproductive freedom,
is launching a state-wide “go-vote” tour in South Dakota in October.
“Words of Choice,” created by playwright and journalist Cindy Cooper,
will mount productions in five cities in October to urge voters and campaigns to pay attention to key concerns of women, men
and their right to privacy.
The collection of passionate comic and dramatic stories touches upon many in-the-news
topics in this election season: emergency contraception, sexual assault, unintended pregnancy, abstinence education and bans
on safe abortion procedures.
The play is especially important at this time because of a statewide ballot
question on November 7, in which voters will have an opportunity to reverse a total ban on abortion passed by state legislators
in spring 2006. See Why South Dakota?
“I wanted to break open the conversation of reproductive rights,”
said Cooper. We move out from political ‘debate’ to first-hand experiences – serious and humorous –
that reflect women’s real lives. It’s time for leaders to talk candidly about these topics.”
Productions of “Words of Choice” will appear in Sioux Falls (October
20th and 21st), Brookings (October 23rd),Vermillion (October 24th) Rapid City
(October 26th) and Spearfish. Tour sponsors include Planned Parenthood
of Minnesota/South Dakota, SDPro-Choice NARAL, and USD VOX.
For more information about “Words of Choice,” visit http://www.wordsofchoice.org.
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WOMEN'S HISTORY MEANS CHOICE HISTORY ... and Future!
For Release: March 1, 2006
With the addition of two anti-choice justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, women’s
reproductive rights are in peril greater than any time in recent history.
In Women’s History Month -- and More!, Words of Choice
looks back at choice history and forward to what's coming with performances on the east coast.
In a dozen short stories written and compiled from 15 diverse authors, the ensemble cast of Words of Choice displays
the panorama of women’s rights issues with selections that are both poignant and humorous. See Appearances
Rebecca Mills, Carl H. Jaynes and Christa Victoria take the stage under the
direction of Cindy Cooper and with associate director Catrin Parker.
As states such as South Dakota try to criminalize abortion, Words of Choice
lets viewers reflect upon the meaning of reproductive freedom. Hot-button topics take center stage, as a father
talks about his daughter's rape, a nurse discusses a clinic bombing, and, on the humorous side, a newscaster reports on the
latest on the contraceptive front, the morning-after burrito.
The performances come just as Words of Choice is featured by the Fund for Women
Artists on reproductive choice issues. See: Reproductive Rights and the Arts
Words of Choice has toured to three dozen locations (see On the Road with Choice) and one-third of the states to open new conversations about women's rights. Articles Performances are accompanied with a discussion. What People Say
Words of Choice includes the writings of a dozen authors and
a diverse selections of topics. Choice Words
For more information about booking, see Booking Inquiries or email mailto:wordsofchoice@mindspring.com
The company will present a New York performance on April 14 at 8 p.m. at Wings
Theater, 154 Christopher Street, in Manhattan.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 7, 2005
Smart, Funny, Endangered …
“WORDS OF CHOICE” PUTS RIGHTS ON STAGE IN ENDANGERED
STATES
AS NATION LOOKS AT ROE V WADE
Seriousness and Satire in September in Missouri, Kansas
and Oklahoma
“Words of Choice,” a play about reproductive
freedom, is heading to Missouri and Kansas, two states where women face immediate attacks to the right to privacy, as
two openings are set to be filled on the U.S. Supreme Court.
In September, the theater piece will
be used to generate conversations about reproductive choice in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, performing at college campuses,
arts centers and faith-based institutions. With the nation focused on what will
happen to the U.S. Supreme Court, Words of Choice poses inquiry into how the next justices will effect real people’s
lives.
The play, a compendium of short selections
originated in New York City and will be performed by an ensemble of three St. Louis actors. It is directed by Joan Lipkin,
a renowned theater activist from St. Louis.
Words of Choice was created by playwright and journalist Cindy Cooper.
The play melds together stories by more than a dozen writers. Who We Are
“The
issue before the nation is the right of privacy. But whatever happens, the right
to privacy is already in danger in Kansas, where the state attorney general subpoenaed the records of women from
two abortion clinics,” Cooper said. Kansas In a special affront, the governor of Missouri is convening the legislature in an "emergency" session to pass anti-choice
legislation.
Words of Choice describes
the real-life effects of policies. The stories --passionate, comic, and dramatic -- in Words of Choice touch
upon many in-the-news topics: emergency contraception, sexual assault, unintended
pregnancy, abstinence education, fetal anomalies, abortion and scare tactics against women. What People Say
Performances are currently scheduled in St. Louis on September 14 sponsored
by Naral Pro-Choice Missouri; Lawrence on September 16 with Lawrence NOW; at Kansas State University in Manhattan,
KS on September 19 with Manhattan NOW; and in Wichita on September 20 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita,
sponsored by the Kansas Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (KSRCRC); in Tulsa on September 21, sponsored by
TU Coalition for Womens Issues and NARAL Pro-Choice Oklahoma. All are at
7 p.m. (Tulsa 7: 30 pm), and are followed by discussions. Webster University and Washington
University in St. Louis will be sites for afternoon performances on September 15 and September 23, respectively. MORE
performance information: Appearances
The performances feature actors Thomasina
Clarke, Jacqueline Masei and Kimberly Mason.
In the past, Words of Choice has worked with over two dozen actors
throughout the country, including celebrity actors Kathleen Turner, Heather Tom and Bree Williamson of One Life to Live. Appearances2 Touring performances last year saw two casts travel to eight states. Articles
The
dozen pieces, all short, touch upon a wide panorama of modern lives. In one serious
piece, a father describes his feelings after learning of his daughter’s rape; in another, a woman learns of severe fetal
anomalies during Jewish holidays. In a comic piece written by actress Kathy Najimy,
two adventurous thirty-somethings seek confessional forgiveness for their sins, and in a selection from satire publication,
The Onion, a publicist announces the release of the exciting new morning-after burrito.
Choice Words
Writers
included are Kathleen Tolan, Emily Lyons, Angela Bonavoglia, Judith Arcana, Joan Lipkin, Michael David Quinn, Gloria Feldt,
Sherica White, Alix Olson, Emilie Townes, and others. Who We Are
Words of Choice has previously appeared at theaters, colleges and faith-based
venues in New York, Massachusetts, Washington D.C., Virginia, Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, including presentations
or benefits at The Culture Project, HERE Arts Center, Ensemble Studio Theater and Union Theological Seminary in NY, Planned
Parenthood in MA, University of Virginia, George Washington University, University of Missouri and elsewhere. Appearances
For more information: mailto:wordsofchoice@mindspring.com
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October 4, 2004
PRO-CHOICE PLAY LAUNCHES GO-VOTE TOUR IN KEY STATES
"Words of Choice" Puts Electoral Issues On Stage With Two National Casts
"Words of Choice," a play of poignant tales of reproductive
freedom, is launching ...
TO READ MORE : Fall 2004 -- 2 Casts 8 States
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