Geneseo Theater Department presents powerful staged reading of My Body, No Choice in collaboration with Arena Stage
The actors stand in line at the conclusion of the play and show their support for the pro-choice movement photo courtesy of Hannarose Manning
On Oct. 29, the SUNY Geneseo Theater Department presented a one-night-only staged reading of My Body, No Choice, in collaboration with Arena Stage. The play is a series of monologues that features five characters and their individual struggles with navigating the world’s present realities surrounding bodily autonomy.
The reading was directed by senior history and theater double major Hannarose Manning. Manning, who intends to go on to study law post-graduation, stated: “In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe V. Wade, people with uteruses are left feeling scared and uncertain. I chose to direct My Body, No Choice to spread awareness to stories that are being experienced and told all across the country, to show the importance of choice in all regards, and to push people to vote in November.”
This play specifically calls attention, both explicitly and implicitly, to the issues of reproductive rights that are at the forefront of U.S. politics right now; however, there are several different narratives presented in the play to show the all-encompassing nature and importance of bodily autonomy, and the fundamental right to choose what is best for one’s own body for people in all walks of life. The characters in the monologues grapple with everything from abortion to feeling comfortable in one’s own body to choosing death as a means of reclaiming bodily autonomy.
Each of these characters were brought to life in the Brodie Black Box Theater; one after the other, the actors took the stage and gave a performance of a lifetime after just three weeks of rehearsals. Even with a time constraint, the actors were able to connect with their characters on such a deeply emotional level that left the audience roaring in a standing ovation at the conclusion of the play. Their ability to create art in such a compelling manner—while, very impressively, hardly even looking at their scripts—is a testament to their skill as actors, the diligence of the director to guide them, and the strength of the theater department at Geneseo as a whole.
It is safe to say there was not a dry eye in the house as the actors took their bows. Tears were shed in every row throughout the monologues, and it was all the more powerful as the actors stood together in line, all wearing an article of clothing with some shade of green to show their support for the pro-choice movement.
The monologues not only proved the power of art to make change and amplify the narratives of those who may be silenced, but the impact of students using their time, energy, and talent to raise awareness to an ever-pressing issue in our society. Though the reading wrapped as the actors and director exited the Black Box stage, it will continue to leave a lasting impact on the audience members, the campus, and beyond.