AWARD WINNING "ANN AND ME: OR THE BIG BAD ABORTION PLAY" TAKES ON HOLLYWOOD FRINGE

Ann and Me: or the big bad abortion play

LOS ANGELES, CA – After winning “Best Storyteller” at the 2023 United Solo Festival, and fresh off a run in Reykjavik, Jessica Bashline’s powerful solo show, “Ann and Me: or the big bad abortion play,” is heading to the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Written and Performed by Jessica Bashline, directed by Margaret M. Ledford, you can catch performances at The Actors Company (The Little Theater) from June 14th to June 22nd.
Jessica is a typical middle-aged, middle-income, mostly average white lady. She’s also had abortions, and those experiences sparked a deep dive into the history of abortion in the U.S. (because, yeah, she’s kind of a history nerd). This led her to write a huge play about Ann Lohman, an abortionist from the 1800s who was an absolute badass. Jessica thought that chapter of her life was closed – she was practically menopausal! – but then came the Dobbs decision. Suddenly, her niche knowledge of legal abortion history became incredibly relevant, making her an unexpected expert.
“Ann and Me” has been praised for its thoughtful, empathetic, and even funny approach. Allaboutsolo.com gave it 4.5 stars, noting that despite the “inflammatory” title, Bashline’s delivery is calm and rational, letting historical accounts (especially from Ann Lohman’s 1845 trial) speak for themselves. The play does an amazing job of connecting historical oppression to today’s intersectional issues, highlighting the power of shame and the urgent need for personal stories and political action.

Catch “Ann and Me” at Hollywood Fringe!
The Actors Company (The Little Theater), 916 N. Formosa Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 (323-463-4639)
• Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM
• Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM
• Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 8:30 PM
• Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 9:30 PM
• Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 3:30 PM

Get your tickets: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/12065?tab=tickets
For Press Passes or interviews please contact: [email protected]
Learn more: jessicabashline.com/ann-and-me-or-the-big-bad-abortion-play.html