Women’s rights — or should I say the lack thereof — is a topic that we all have to face in our lives. Society has always treated women as second-class citizens, and with the current climate in this country, it’s scary to think we are still fighting for the right to be seen as equals. We are still fighting to not just be designated to the home as wives and mothers, but to be seen as individuals. This reality is truly brought home in the new, stunning play “Liberation,” playing at the Laura Pels Theatre in the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre at 111 W 46th Street. The play, skillfully crafted by Bess Wohl, looks at a radical women’s group that met in a local rec center in Ohio in the 1970s. These women make a safe space to share their thoughts and frustrations. They make it a space to plan protests and to take action to try and improve their station in life. They build relationships that make them feel empowered.
“Liberation” has a great deal of humor, but also a lot of truth about the sad state of affairs when it comes to women receiving respect, rights, and anything near equality to a man — whether it be at work or in the home. The cast will have you mesmerized as you hear the story of Lizzie, a woman who put together a radical women’s group in 1970s Ohio, an effort we find out about through her daughter who is now trying to figure out what this part of her mother’s life was like, way before she was a thought.
The storyline takes you back to that time and place as the daughter, who is also the narrator and plays her mother, interviews her mother’s friends who were part of this group. There are mixtures of women, diverse racially and with respect to sexual orientation, but they all want the same essential thing — to be regarded as intelligent, hard workers who deserve promotions and equal pay instead of being treated as sex objects by their bosses and co-workers.
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The characters Margie, Dora, Celeste, Isidora, and Susan are members of the radical women’s group. The exchanges between these characters are something that you won’t forget. You will possibly see yourself or a woman you know in their scenarios. This ensemble of actresses performs a phenomenal, smooth delivery of their roles as they grab your attention and keep you captivated. Lizzie is delightfully played by Susannah Flood. Betsy Aidem is captivating as Margie, an older housewife who realizes that now that her sons are gone, her husband is actually quite annoying to be around. Irene Sofia Lucio plays Isidora with a feistiness that is amusing and refreshing. Adina Verson is funny and engaging as Susan. Audrey Corsa delivers a moving performance as Dora, a beautiful woman,who seems to be at the mercy of her boss, boyfriend and parents. Kristolyn Lloyd is spirited, funny, and very self-assured as Celeste. It is also moving to see how her dedication to taking care of her dying mother changes to frustration and a feeling of being trapped. Another character, Joanne, is powerfully played by Kayla Davion. Her character is very much in your face and she will leave an impression. Charlie Thurston is spot-on as Bill, Lizzie’s husband.
The production has splendid direction by Whitney White. David Zinn designed a detailed set, Qween Jean is the costume designer, lighting is by Cha See, sound by Palmer Hefferan and hair & wig by Nikiya Mathis. You need to make plans to see this enthralling play that says so much about what so many women are still feeling today. For tickets visit roundabouttheatre.org.