PHS Advanced Acting presents “Roe” by Lisa Loomer | March 5 – 8

Piedmont High School’s Advanced Acting program is proud to produce Lisa Loomer’s comedic drama Roe March 5th-8th at the Piedmont Center for the Arts.

The lawyer: a young, driven woman who argued Roe v. Wade before the Supreme Court. The plaintiff: a wild, hippie bartender seeking to end an unwanted pregnancy. As we know, they won the landmark 1973 case that legalized abortion. But what most people don’t know is how their divergent journeys after the case reflect the current divide in American culture. With shocking turns and surprising humor, Roe illuminates the difficult choices people make, and the passion each side has for its cause.

WHEN

• Thursday, March 5 through Saturday, March 7 at 7:00 pm
• Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm 

TICKETS

Tickets are $12 for students and $18 for adults. Purchase online only at roephs.bpt.me.

WHERE

All shows are at the Piedmont Center for the Arts 801 Magnolia Avenue in Piedmont.

MORE

Author Lisa Loomer wanted to write this play to try to understand the divide that exists in this country today. “I wanted to understand: Why can’t we talk to each other, as Americans, about this issue?  I don’t kid myself that a play will change minds.  It happens, but very rarely.  But if we open our minds enough to even consider a position that is different from the one we brought into the theater – that is the beginning of compassion.”

PHS acting teacher Kimberly Taylor knew that she wanted to direct the play after taking students to see it at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2016.   “Everyone wanted to talk about the play for hours.  They were fascinated by the issues.”

“Roe is not a story that tells you what to believe, but makes you contemplate everything you thought you knew,” says senior Sophie Hall.

Senior stage manager Becky Isaac agrees and adds, “No matter your political beliefs, we need to be having more conversations about this important topic, seeking to understand all perspectives.”

This play is for Mature Audiences Only.  A moving and provocative work, Roe contains profanity, references to abuse, assault, and suicide, depictions of drug use and graphic language describing the process of back alley abortions.  Mature high school students who are prepared to handle the play’s content will gain a deeper understanding of a significant turning point in US history relevant today.

QUESTIONS

Please contact director Kim Taylor at ktaylor@piedmont.k12.ca.us with any questions.