Sponsored by Nicole Zelniker and Knee Brace Press. At 7 pm central time. See event signup.
With Paula, authors Mugabi Byenkya (joining in from Kampala!) and Teona Studemire
Jane coming to Chicago in fall
Jane play to have full production at gjd Idle Muse Theatre at the Edge Theater in Chicago, September 16 to October 15. More info to come…..
New play Dionne's House a 2022 O'Neill finalist & Ranks highly as comedy in Hollywood competition
Dionne’s House now has a project page on Coverfly, the result of making the first cut in the ScreenCraft Stage Play Competition, ranking in the top tier of comedies submitted.
First post-Roe production of Jane in state with near-total abortion ban on Jan. 29
Village Repertory Company presents a reading to benefit Planned Parenthood and South Carolina WREN (Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network). Directed by Keely Enright at the Charleston Music Farm.
Jane play full production at UCLA December 3
Two performances at the Northwest Auditorium at 1 and 7 pm. See Instagram for more details about Color Box student production company and directed by Kennedy Harris. Co-producer Janelle Soriano wrote Paula about her experience with the play: “It’s amazing how much your play has truly opened the eyes of everyone who is involved to the ongoing social narrative of abortion and women's reproductive rights. I think I speak on behalf of everyone involved that your play has truly changed our lives and impacted all of us deeply. We hope we can do the same for our audiences.
Jane at Temple University and UCLA in fall
Reading in Philadelphia at Temple University’s Being Heard festival November 16-17, and a full production at UCLA by the Color Box student company December 3 in the Northwest Theater on campus.
JANE streaming nationally starting in November
A unique filmed and edited performance by Bloomington, IL’s Coalescence Theater Project and Chicago’s Cat’s Cradle Theatre. Directed by Kristen L Schoenback. To benefit the nation’s largest abortion fund, WRRAP, based in California. More info on streaming here.
JANE BENEFIT for abortion access in Midwest on August 6 in Chicago
Presented by a great group of young women volunteering time and talents. At 6 PM, Saturday, August 6 at The Coach House Theater, Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60660
Doors open at 6. Presented by Violet Suprise Theatre Company, directed by Iris Sowlat. Co-produced by Chloe Gracias. More info from Broadway World blurb here.
To benefit Midwest Action Coalition. Rep from MAC will be on panel afterward.
More info and tix here
Monologues from Jane featured in "Without a Choice" at Bughouse Theatre
Monologues based on interviews with two Jane members. Produced by Leah Huskey of the Connective Theatre in Chicago April 28 and 30 and May 1. Directed by Margo Smith. Also shown with scenes from Rachel Lynett, Rachel Bublitz and Michelle Carter. Evening benefits Texas abortion fund and each performance is followed by panels with latest activist info and strategy.
Dionne's House an O'Neill finalist
This new comedy was named as one of 60 finalists for the 2022 O’Neill National Playwrights Conference taking place this summer. Finalists announced in mid May.
New comedy, "Dionne's House," will have first reading Nov. 22 via Zoom
Will be part of First Draft series at Chicago Dramatists at 7 pm CST.
This comedy/drama is about two generations of feminist writers with very bad taste in men, and how that threatens their friendship and their career ambitions. Will feature audience feedback.
For Zoom link, email me at paulakamen@gmail.com
New journal article studies Jane as activist tool in classroom across generations
Theater professor Annika Speer of UC-Riverside, has studied the play’s use as an activist tool across generations for more than a decade. And most recently for a postmillenial production at Middlebury College in 2020, just before the pandemic. She writes:
Although the Sisyphean fight for reproductive rights can feel futile or stagnant, one reason I have spent so much time with Jane is because I have seen the epistemological and activist potential the script offers for students’ learning. …(It) can contribute to students’ feminist studies learning and deepen their understanding of reproductive justice.
First anthology of migraine-related literature out August 2020
An essay of mine will be included in So Much More Than a Headache: Understanding Migraine Through Literature, edited by the very dedicated Kathleen J. O’Shea, and published by Kent State University Press. Stay tuned here for virtual promo events coming soon:
Choice Words anthology is out!
This stellar international anthology, the first to feature literature about abortion, by editor Annie Fitch is getting great reviews, such as this one in the LA Times. It features a scene from my play Jane.
'A Cure For AIDS' short play now on NPX
Award-winning play featuring themes of grappling with loss — and regret — during an epidemic or other tragedy, including those made by humans. Contemplates the incalculable loss when artists and inventors die before their time.
Chicago Reader interview
Interview by Kerry Reid, Chicago Reader theater editor, about demystifying abortion on stage. Also about concurrent Chicago production of Roe by Lisa Loomer at the Goodman Theater.