Borrowed Babies

by Jennifer Blackmer

As Judy London nears the end of her career as a Professor of Home Economics, an encounter with one of her former “practice babies” leads her to question her life’s journey and the sacrifices she’s made along the way. Loosely based on the practice and former operation of university “practice houses” for home economics students, BORROWED BABIES explores the ever-evolving role of women and mothers in American...

As Judy London nears the end of her career as a Professor of Home Economics, an encounter with one of her former “practice babies” leads her to question her life’s journey and the sacrifices she’s made along the way. Loosely based on the practice and former operation of university “practice houses” for home economics students, BORROWED BABIES explores the ever-evolving role of women and mothers in American society over the last sixty years.

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Borrowed Babies

Recommended by

  • Aly Kantor: Borrowed Babies

    What a compelling, intimate glimpse at a lost moment in history that I knew NOTHING about, despite studying developmental psych for years! This play is packed with phenomenal roles for college-aged women and not a single traditional ingenue track! Every character is quirky and specific, with a wholly unique voice, and it was so easy to get caught up in their individual dramas, struggles, and stories. The ending was utterly heartbreaking but felt entirely earned. I'm amazed by all of the interconnected themes, all of which were seamlessly integrated into the story. A fantastic, memorable piece...

    What a compelling, intimate glimpse at a lost moment in history that I knew NOTHING about, despite studying developmental psych for years! This play is packed with phenomenal roles for college-aged women and not a single traditional ingenue track! Every character is quirky and specific, with a wholly unique voice, and it was so easy to get caught up in their individual dramas, struggles, and stories. The ending was utterly heartbreaking but felt entirely earned. I'm amazed by all of the interconnected themes, all of which were seamlessly integrated into the story. A fantastic, memorable piece of theatre!

  • Emily Worrell: Borrowed Babies

    An unforgettable experience as an audience member. Blackmer takes a rarely-talked-about point in women's history and creates a masterpiece, with unique, well-crafted characters perfect for women actors and a complex storyline that will have you thinking about the piece long after the curtain comes down.

    An unforgettable experience as an audience member. Blackmer takes a rarely-talked-about point in women's history and creates a masterpiece, with unique, well-crafted characters perfect for women actors and a complex storyline that will have you thinking about the piece long after the curtain comes down.

  • L . Jan Eira: Borrowed Babies

    Beautifully constructed, Borrowed Babies smartly masters then defines that moment in time when one ponders about the meaning of one's life and one's legacy -- 'Was my life's work meaningful enough? Were my efforts truly beneficial and appreciated by those I served? And at what cost?' And during the entire ride, Blackmer forces us to explore our own universe of accomplishments. I loved reading this piece and will most definitely go see it if I have the opportunity to do so. Good work!

    Beautifully constructed, Borrowed Babies smartly masters then defines that moment in time when one ponders about the meaning of one's life and one's legacy -- 'Was my life's work meaningful enough? Were my efforts truly beneficial and appreciated by those I served? And at what cost?' And during the entire ride, Blackmer forces us to explore our own universe of accomplishments. I loved reading this piece and will most definitely go see it if I have the opportunity to do so. Good work!

View all 4 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Activate Midwest - Western Michigan University, Year 2017
  • Type Reading, Organization Ball State University, Year 2017

Production History

  • Type University, Organization Ball State University Department of Theatre and Dance, Year 2018
  • Type University, Organization High Point University, Year 2019
  • Type University, Organization Taylor University, Year 2022

Awards

  • David Mark Cohen National Playwriting Award
    Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival - ATHE
    Winner
    2020