Funny, Like An Abortion by Rachel Bublitz

FULL LENGTH (early development): Monroe finds herself knocked up, and since abortions are illegal in the United States, she throws a surprise abortion party with her best friend Jade. Monroe prepares over twenty at home abortion options for them to sort through, neither will walk away until they select the best of all of these terrible options. But that's not all! Come on down for juggling, a tap dancing...
FULL LENGTH (early development): Monroe finds herself knocked up, and since abortions are illegal in the United States, she throws a surprise abortion party with her best friend Jade. Monroe prepares over twenty at home abortion options for them to sort through, neither will walk away until they select the best of all of these terrible options. But that's not all! Come on down for juggling, a tap dancing number, and a horrific view at what our future may hold. A comedic two-hander in one scene.
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Funny, Like An Abortion

Recommended by

  • Playwrights Foundation:
    6 Apr. 2020
    “ Playwrights Foundation enthusiastically recommends this play FUNNY, LIKE AN ABORTION, as a Semi-Finalist for the Bay Area Playwrights Festival 2020. We were moved by the quality of the writing and the relevant and compelling themes that spoke to the mission of our festival. It excelled in a competitive process of 735 plays submitted this year and rose to the top after a six month long process discussing its merits with both national and local Bay Area readers, and we hope it moves swiftly towards production. ”
  • Lisa Sillaway:
    15 Oct. 2019
    “ Love this clever and timely script from Rachel. The characters and story are well done but I especially loved the opening minutes of Monroe onstage alone and mostly silent as well as the intentional breaking of the fourth wall. Highly recommend this piece. ”
  • Asher Wyndham:
    25 Sep. 2019
    “ This play tackles the divisive issue of abortion, surprisingly, through dark comedy, a biting satire that's unapologetically political and feminist. The kids-themed-party, complete with gift bags and cupcakes, is an unusual setting to address abortion, but it's one that forces us to imagine "maybe soon" a dystopian America for women who resort to DIY-at-home abortions. This play reminds us of the options and abortifacients used by women in the past to end pregnancy.
    This is uncomfotable theatre - necessary theatre - dangerous theatre.
    Read this, develop, produce, use it for protest. ”
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Character Information

  • Monroe
    mid-twenties to mid-thirties,
    She/her
    Makes bad jokes. Can juggle quite well.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Jade
    mid-twenties to mid-thirties,
    She/her
    Has legitimate concerns and distress over how to actually help her friend.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Kennedy Center ACTF Region 5 Conference
    ,
    2020

Awards