Premiere: Blessed Unrest Theatre, New York City, May 13, - June 3, 2023

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THINKING THEATER IN NYC

Misconceptions finds the humanity and even humor in terrain that, in the United States, has not only been politically weaponized over decades but has also recently seen the dangerous, sometimes literally fatal, obliteration of women's rights…. Misconceptions offers an abundance of reasons to take a page from Harriet's interviewing playbook and go let the show speak for itself.

THEATER SCENE

“What is constantly intriguing about Misconceptions is Wangh’s astute take on his subject, probing the consciousnesses of those standing on either side of the debate. This is truly one of the most meaningful retorts to the avalanche of mindless, reactionary anti-abortion commotion spreading across America.”

MEDIUM

Misconceptions will get you thinking about some uncomfortable but important themes in an entirely new way. Lest you think it’s too heavy, the humor and heart that is written into these characters by playwright Steve Wangh keeps it from being too didactic.

THE EASY

Blending the personal and political, Misconceptions offers a nuanced and engaging look at the many faces, voices, and stories within the abortion debate…. Like the twisting umbilical ropes of her installation piece, Harriet stands at the center of these complexities, poignant in her efforts to forge meaning, truth, and conviction from the voices around her. This, Misconceptions argues, is the paradox, and the point, of the abortion debate: for all of its numerous ideological and social layers, the issue is, at its core, a personal one, and even as we take multiple views into account, we must remember that the final choice lies with the individual.

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Testimonials

This is a terrific script and a play whose time is NOW. It dares to speak feelingly about a very important issue, and to do so with great intelligence, with humor, and with empathy for a remarkable range of American voices.

Moisés Kaufman, Artistic Director, Tectonic Theater Project

For the last 50 years I have listened to women tell their abortion stories. MISCONCEPTIONS has powerfully captured those stories. Don't miss seeing this play.  Your heart and mind will be touched.

Frances Kissling, President, The Center for Health, Ethics and Social Policy, Washington DC / Visiting Professor, Institute for the Investigation of Philosophy, UNAM Mexico / Former President of Catholics for Choice  

Following Frances Kissling's support I want to add my name in support of this very important play featuring women's eloquent voices on the right to choose abortion. Go see MISCONCEPTIONS.

Gloria Steinem, Journalist, Social-Political Activist, Feminist Organizer:  

There has never been a more important time to talk about abortion in America. MISCONCEPTIONS features the stories and experiences of women, and reminds us why this fight belongs to all of us.

Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Fund

I saw your show last night! Beautiful work with such a difficult subject. I came away better informed about the varying perspectives and so grateful that “choice” is still an option in most places in this country. The acting was wonderful and made the ideas and shifting spaces, characters and mindsets clear and compelling. The text also included Brecht’s crucial ingredient: Spaß (fun). Congratulations on an important work at this critical moment.

Sending love and best wishes,

Sharon Fogarty, Co-Artistic Director, Mabou Mines Theater, NY

The compelling storylines in MISCONCEPTIONS break open taboos – bringing into view the dilemmas that women and families confront when weighing access to abortion and childcare.

Dr. Natalia Kanem, United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

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Background Preview

Podcast interview with Steve Wangh and Jessica Burr

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Trailer
Synopsis and Academic Support
Script (pdf)
Contact Steve Wangh: sw1@nyu.edu