The University of Oklahoma Helmerich School of Drama and University Theatre will present Roe, by award-winning playwright Lisa Loomer April 23 through May 2 on the OU Norman campus.

Roe is a theatrical exploration of the complicated and fiery underpinnings of Roe v. Wade. the production. Nancy Bell serves as guest director of the production. OU alumna Paige Hathaway is scenic designer.

Roe is scheduled to open at 8 p.m. Friday, April 23, with additional performances set for 8 p.m. April 24, 29, 30 and May 1, and at 3 p.m. April 25 and May 2. All performances will be held in the A. Max Weitzenhoffer Theatre, 563 Elm Ave., on the OU Norman campus. This production contains adult content.

Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that legalized abortion, is still fiercely debated over 40 years later. In this incisive play, Loomer cuts through the headlines and rhetoric to reveal the divergent personal journeys of lawyer Sarah Weddington and plaintiff Norma McCorvey (Jane Roe) in the years following the fateful decision. In turns shocking, humorous, and poignant, Roe reflects the polarization in America today while illuminating the heart and passion each side has for its cause.

Bell stated, “I’m so thrilled to be exploring the themes of this powerful play with the incredibly talented and thoughtful students at OU. More than just a historical drama, Roe explores the ways in which truth is refracted and renegotiated over time by diverse groups of people—something we will all have to grapple with more and more in the coming years.”

Bell is a multidisciplinary theatre artist and educator whose body of work comprises directing, playwriting, acting and producing. She is known nationally as the founding Playwright-In-Residence of Shakespeare Festival St. Louis’ award-winning community-based theatre project, Shakespeare in the Streets. Her other plays have been produced regionally in the United States. She currently serves as the director of the Confluence New Play Festival at St. Louis Shakespeare. For her recent work, she is the recipient of the St. Louis Visionary Award for Outstanding Arts Professional and the Scholarly Works Award from Saint Louis University, where she directs the theatre program.

Hathaway is a freelance scenic designer based in the Washington, D.C. area. She has provided scenic design at The Muny, Arden, Asolo Rep, John W. Engeman Theatre, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Arena Stage and many others. Hathaway received her master of fine arts degree in scenic design from the University of Maryland in 2014, and her bachelor of fine arts degree in scenic design from the OU in 2011.

The Roe cast is composed of the following students from the Helmerich School of Drama: Lucy Dinsmore, Jose Gonzalez, Levi Hawkins, Harper Johnson, Nikki Mar, McCall McCarty, Anika Moore, Simone Patterson, Rylan Price, Race Ricketts, Sarah Santamaria, Jackie Simmons, Lanee Starr, and Lily Vanner. In addition, Paris Richardson is a student from the Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre.

The design team includes Karina Sanchez, costume designer; Renée Brode, lighting designer; Thomas Roberts, sound designer; and Ryan Gaylor, dramaturg. The production staff includes Maggie Gibson, stage manager; Jeff Baldwin, technical director; Kasey Allee-Foreman, associate producer; and Mary Margaret Holt, producer.

In-person advance purchase tickets for Roe are $25 adult; $20 senior adult, OU employee and military; and $10 student, plus processing fee. Tickets at the door are $35 for adult and $15 for student.

Please note that seating is strictly limited according to social distancing requirements and masks are required for audience members.

Tickets may be purchased online at theatre. ou.edu, by calling (405) 325-4101, or visiting the OU Fine Arts Box Office in the Catlett Music Center, 500 W. Boyd St. For accommodations, please call the box office at (405) 325-4101.

Video-on-Demand will be available. Please visit theatre.ou.edu for more information.