01.08.2015
Media

Media Release: Out of Silence Full DC Promotion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 4, 2014
Heather Mahoney 240.292.9492
heather@hautehausagency.com

1 IN 3 CAMPAIGN’S GROUND BREAKING PLAY SHATTERS THE STIGMA OF ABORTION

Advocates for Youth Encourages Women to Come ‘Out of Silence’

 

WASHINGTON, DC — Advocates for Youth will break new ground with Out of Silence: Abortion Stories from the 1 in 3 Campaign. From the halls of Congress to pulpits and court houses around the country, there is so much noise around abortion—but it’s women’s personal stories that have been silenced. In an effort to shatter that silence and de-stigmatize abortion care, Advocates’ 1 in 3 Campaign will elevate the voices of hundreds of women with ‘Out of Silence’.

On January 20, 2015, the Campaign will welcome playwrights, feminists, youth activists, theater enthusiasts and abortion care supporters to delve into this insightful production at the historic Studio Theatre. Composed of 13 scenes from 10 different female playwrights with one sole mission: to create a new conversation about abortion and move beyond the political rhetoric and divisive debate to a more personal understanding of the role abortion plays in women’s lives.

With a renowned team including playwright Jacqueline E. Lawton and director Marie Byrd Sproul at the helm of the production; attendees can be sure that Out of Silence will be an enlightening and thought-provoking piece.

“Plays have a long history of introducing new perspectives and shifting public discourse, while providing audiences with a safe space to grapple with important social issues” says Debra Hauser, President of Advocates for Youth. “We have been honored to receive these stories from women across the country. Each story is unique and brings a fresh perspective to the issue, but what’s most remarkable is how the need for safe abortion care is a common thread that runs through all our lives and has done so throughout the generations.”

The full production will be prefaced by a press reading in NYC on January 7, but for the January 20 Advocates especially invites university press and young people to attend. “We want this play to be a nation-wide phenomenon that starts at the grassroots level, on every campus and community around the country,” states Julia Reticker-Flynn, Associate Director of Youth Organizing and Mobilization for Advocates for Youth. “Out of Silence can be the spark that ignites a renewed fire on this issue, brining an openness to this conversation and empowering people everywhere to stand up for safe, legal and affordable abortion care.”

What: Out of Silence: Abortion Stories from the 1 in 3 Campaign
When: January 20, 2014
Reception: 5:30 p.m. | Production: 7:00 p.m.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
RSVP: http://www.1in3campaign.org/outofsilence

Following the production co-producer Jacqueline E. Lawton, actress/playwright Anu Yadav, and playwright Nicole Jost will host a panel discussion and open Q&A based on the production. Similar to the riveting Vagina Monologues, Out of Silence will delve into the difficult situations and emotions that surround abortions— from multiple point of views. The play is derived from the over 600 stories submitted to the Campaign and represent women from a wide array of situations, ages, and backgrounds. The creative team is made up of a diverse set of multi-generational, female playwrights including: Allyson Currin, DW Gregory, Caleen Jenning, Nicole Jost, Jacqueline E. Lawton, Kristen LePine, Jennifer Nelson, Mary McKeown, Anu Yadav, and Karen Zacarias. “Bringing this production to the stage has been an insightful experience both personally and professionally,” says Director Marie Byrd Sproul. “These stories need to be heard, they need to be brought out for all of us to listen to and respect.”

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About the 1 in 3 Campaign
The 1 in 3 Campaign, a project of Advocates for Youth, is a grassroots movement designed to ignite a new conversation about abortion, through storytelling, to end the stigma around abortion care in America. Its mission: to ensure that abortion remains safe, legal, and affordable. For more information, please visit: www.1in3campaign.org.

About Advocates for Youth
Advocates for Youth champions programs and policies that recognize young people’s rights to sexual health information and services. Advocates believes it can best serve the field by boldly advocating for a more positive and realistic approach to adolescent sexual health. For more information, please visit: www.advocatesforyouth.org.