BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "Stagecraft: Bess Wohl on Liberation"
In the March 5, 2025 episode of BroadwayRadio's premier podcast, Stagecraft, host Jan Simpson engages in an insightful conversation with playwright Bess Wall about her critically acclaimed play, Liberation. The discussion delves into the play’s thematic depth, creative process, research methodology, structural innovations, and its profound impact on diverse audiences.
1. Introduction to Liberation
The episode opens with Jan Simpson introducing Bess Wall and her latest work, Liberation, which is currently performing at the Roundabout Theater Company's Laura Pels Theatre. Wall provides an overview of the play:
Bess Wall [01:12]: “Liberation is a play that functions on a bunch of different levels and in a bunch of different time periods. It's really about a woman or narrator character searching for answers about the life of her mother and trying to understand who her mother was before giving birth to her daughter.”
Liberation explores feminism across various eras, focusing on the narrator's journey to uncover her mother's past involvement in 1970s consciousness-raising groups in Ohio. This search leads to reflections on how radical ideals from the past influence present identities and societal roles.
2. Inspirations and Genesis of the Play
When asked about the inspirations behind Liberation, Wall reflects on her personal connections and long-term commitment to the subject matter:
Bess Wall [02:55]: “Liberation, I mean, I have been trying to write this play for like 15 years. It has been really a journey for me... I was really interested in those women and I looked up to them, and I was curious about them.”
Wall draws from her upbringing surrounded by second-wave feminism, influenced by her mother, a writer for Ms. Magazine. This background ignited her desire to portray the lives and transformations of women activists, bridging her personal history with broader feminist movements.
3. Research and Character Development
Wall elaborates on the extensive research process that shaped Liberation, which included primary sources, interviews with women from the 1970s, and organic connections facilitated by her interviewees:
Bess Wall [06:51]: “I did speak to actual women from that time who had lived through the movement and who were quite active in the second wave and who had been in consciousness raising groups themselves.”
This rigorous research ensured authentic representation of the era and the complexities of the women's experiences. The characters in the play are amalgamations inspired by various women Wall interacted with, reflecting a diverse spectrum of perspectives without mirroring any single individual.
4. Structural Choices and Theatrical Techniques
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the innovative structure of Liberation. Wall explains her use of direct address and multiple actors portraying the same characters to enhance the play's thematic resonance:
Bess Wall [13:33]: “I was excited when I realized that that was going to be an element of this play. It was sort of liberating for me to have a character on stage who could talk to the audience...”
This approach allows for a more intimate connection with the audience, fostering an interactive and dynamic theatrical experience. The narrator's dialogue with the audience and the fluid portrayal of characters by different actors underscore the play's exploration of memory, identity, and generational dialogue.
5. Inclusion of Nudity and Sensitive Scenes
Addressing the inclusion of a nudity scene, Wall provides a thoughtful rationale rooted in historical accuracy and thematic significance:
Bess Wall [15:22]: “It was important to me. The play, in a way, is about many things, but one thing is female friendship and the intensity of female friendship and of intimacy in those friendships.”
Wall emphasizes that the scene is not gratuitous but a truthful depiction of the solidarity and vulnerability within the consciousness-raising groups. Collaborating with intimacy coordinator Kelsey Rainwater ensured that the portrayal was respectful and integral to the narrative.
6. Reception and Impact
Wall shares the positive reception of Liberation among both older women who experienced the 1970s feminist movement and younger audiences discovering its themes anew:
Bess Wall [17:54]: “The women that I spoke with...have been very effusive about feeling very seen by the play.”
The play resonates across generations, highlighting the enduring relevance of feminist struggles and fostering intergenerational conversations. Wall is gratified by the diverse audience reactions, including men and individuals from varied backgrounds, underscoring the universal themes of identity, activism, and personal growth.
7. Concluding Remarks
As the conversation wraps up, Jan Simpson acknowledges the play’s timely relevance and its inspirational portrayal of collective action:
Jan Simpson [21:06]: “What's also been really gratifying...people who have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences...has been incredibly meaningful to me and really has taught me a lot about the story that we're telling.”
Bess Wall expresses her appreciation for the dialogue sparked by Liberation and the meaningful connections forged between the play and its audience.
Bess Wall [21:37]: “It's been such a nice conversation, and I really appreciate it from my end, too.”
Jan Simpson closes the episode by inviting listeners to engage further with the podcast, fostering a community around theatrical discourse.
This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting Bess Wall's creative journey, the intricate layers of Liberation, and its impactful reception. For those interested in contemporary theater that bridges personal narratives with broader social movements, Liberation represents a compelling exploration of feminism's legacy and future.