Plays in American Lives' new season cover home pregnancy test's origin and social issues

Domenica Bongiovanni, Indianapolis Star
·2 min read

American Lives Theatre's third season will bring plays that explore the nuances of some of the country's biggest current social issues. The origins of the at-home pregnancy test, the line between fact and fiction, and Christian conservatives are among the topics that the company will produce in 2022 and the first half of 2023.

“We’ve carefully curated what we feel is an entertaining, unflinching look at America right now. And we can’t wait to hear the dialogue these plays spark with audiences," Founding Artistic Director Chris Saunders said in a news release.

For the three full-length performances, the theater will offer ASL interpretations. One performance of each also will mandate vaccines and masks for those who feel more comfortable in that setting.

Find information about tickets, which are $15 to $25, at americanlivestheatre.org.

'The Lifespan of a Fact'

By Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell. Sept. 1-25 at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre, 705 N. Illinois St.

Daniel Radcliffe starred in the Broadway production of the play, in which a fact-checker challenges a writer who has different views. American Lives Theatre's production will include audience discussions as well:

  • Media and Ethics: Lou Harry will moderate a free discussion with Rod Hicks, director of ethics and diversity for the Society of Professional Journalists (Sept. 3).

  • Meet the Playwright: Broadway playwright Kareken will answer audience questions about the work (Sept. 23).

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'Short & Stout'

Oct. 13-16 at the District Theatre, 627 Massachussetts Ave.

The short play festival's theme this year is the American family. Six of the 19 plays are by Hoosiers, and 12 are world premieres. Each will receive five performances.

'Heroes of the Fourth Turning'

By Will Arbery. Jan. 13-28, 2023, at IndyFringe Theatre, 719 E. St. Clair St.

During a nighttime party in Wyoming, four young conservatives celebrate their mentor's appointment as president at a Catholic college. The conversation continues into a discussion of generational politics, personal responsibility and spirituality — touching on many of the topics that are currently players in the U.S.'s collective political consciousness. The play was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2020.

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'Predictor'

By Jennifer Blackmer. May 4-28, 2023, at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre.

The play chronicles the story of Margaret Crane and the challenges she experienced on her journey to inventing the first home pregnancy test.

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Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: American Lives Theatre's new season covers pregnancy and social issues