New Broadway play by Bess Wohl examines the lack of change in current times

Bess Wohl’s latest Broadway play, Liberation, takes audiences on a journey through time, examining the struggles and triumphs of women in the 1970s women’s liberation movement and drawing parallels to the challenges faced by women in contemporary society.

The play centers around a group of women who come together to form a women’s liberation group in 1970 in an Ohio recreation center. Led by the spirited Lizzie, played by Susannah Flood, the women find strength, community, and sisterhood as they navigate the turbulent waters of the feminist movement of the time. Through Lizzie’s reimagining of her mother’s experience in the group, the audience is taken on a poignant exploration of mother-daughter relationships, the legacy of women’s activism, and the ongoing struggles for gender equality.

The play cleverly breaks the fourth wall, with Lizzie addressing the audience directly and setting the stage for the story that unfolds. As the women come together, tensions rise, friendships are tested, and personal sacrifices are made in the pursuit of a common goal. Each character, from the fiery Isidora to the reserved Dora, brings a unique perspective and voice to the group, creating a rich tapestry of experiences and emotions that resonate with audiences.

The stellar cast, including Irene Sofia Lucio, Kristolyn Lloyd, Adina Verson, Betsy Aidem, and Audrey Corsa, delivers powerful performances that breathe life into the play. Each actor brings depth and nuance to their characters, capturing the complexities of their struggles and triumphs with grace and authenticity. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, drawing the audience into the heart of the story and creating a sense of intimacy and connection that is truly compelling.

Director Whitney White’s steady hand guides the production with precision and care, creating a space for the actors to shine and the story to unfold organically. The simple yet effective staging by David Zinn, along with Cha See’s warm lighting design and the vibrant ’70s costumes by Qween Jean and Nikiya Mathis, transport the audience back in time, immersing them in the sights and sounds of an era defined by change and upheaval.

While Liberation is not without its flaws, such as the occasional jarring break in the fourth wall, the play succeeds in delivering a poignant and timely message about the enduring power of women’s voices and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. As audiences journey with Lizzie and her fellow activists through moments of joy, sadness, and laughter, they are reminded that the fight for gender equality is far from over and that the struggle continues, now more than ever.