POWERSTORIES POWERUPS: STAGED READING
January 6, 2025
Jane: Abortion and the Underground
Jane: Abortion and the Underground
Written by Paula Kamen, Jane: Abortion and the Underground is a timely and provocative part-documentary drama about “the best-kept secret” in Chicago, “Jane,” an underground abortion service that operated from 1969 to 1973. The script is based on Kamen’s original interviews, including very rare interviews with women not in Jane who used the illegal service. This network, run by a feminist collective of mostly middle-class housewives and students, was the safe alternative for an estimated 8,000- 11,000 Chicago women of all backgrounds (as reported by Jane members). In all those years, “Jane,” which boasted no fatalities and operated in private apartments throughout the city, was well trusted by and commonly received referrals from police, university administrators, social workers, clergy, and hospital staff. It gives an inspiring and unapologetic story — too relevant today — of feminist resistance and organizing to meet women’s most immediate and critical needs. The play also reveals how even under the best of circumstances, illegal abortion can be harrowing.
HCC Ybor Main Stage, 1411 E 11th Ave, Tampa
Heather
Naomi/Judith
Millie/Young Woman 1
Nancy/Young Woman 2
Jody
Alice
Ruth
Mickie (AA)
Sunny / Young Woman 3
Lori / Young Woman 4
Dr. C / Nick
Reverend Parsons
Director
Stage Manager
Powerstories Theatre is thrilled to announce an impactful collaboration with the Tampa Bay Abortion Fund. This organization is dedicated to eliminating financial and logistical barriers to abortion access, specifically aiding individuals with low incomes who seek abortion services at clinics across several counties around Tampa Bay.
In 2017, three individuals came together, deeply concerned about the stagnant state of abortion access despite years of advocacy and activism. Recognizing the need for more direct intervention, they founded the Tampa Bay Abortion Fund (TBAF) as a nonprofit in 2018. Since then, TBAF has assisted hundreds of people in Florida in accessing crucial abortion care. Their network includes strong ties with local clinics, other abortion funds, and a dedicated team of volunteers who offer various services, including transportation, childcare, case management, judicial bypass support, and emergency contraception. Currently, TBAF supports appointments at seven clinics in the Tampa Bay area, making a significant difference in their community.
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