Abortion Weekend

This piece of art is a triumph of storytelling, of characterization, of love. Both performers embody what it means to be young, gifted, and unapologetically black. This is a performance rooted in love, and all the ways that love can transform and triumph in unexpected ways. If you can only see one show this year at fringe, make it this show. ... full review

A dazzling performance by two clearly talented and revved up actors who are ready to take on this industry with their energy and obvious abilities.... full review

A dynamic and compelling duo telling the story of two friends trying to resolve an unintended pregnancy made complicated by religion, culture, upbringing and self doubt. Jairis Carter and Mareshah Dupree present engaging character work, clever and inventive use of time jumps, physical space, lighting and audio design. You can't help but connect with these two relatable friends(+?) tackling a lot of the big questions all at the same time. I especially appreciates the warmth and candor of the grandmother and auntie supporting Dazia and Ayanna in the face of outside pressure and judgment. So memorable, so courageous in its narrative risk-taking, and funny alongside the sad or stressful. ... full review

The show itself is landmark in import, as it deals with a white-hot social issue that does not submit to objective, decisive judgment (boy, I hate using the "j" word, esp. after seeing the play). Here we have the most personal, subjective of experiences, that is, pregnancy, which the powers-that-be insist on adjudicating and controlling from external places in intrusive ways. In dealing with this topic, our two artists are authentic, hilarious, and moving in their acting out of their multiple (and diverse) roles. With limited props, they execute a marvelous delivery of their theme. And to top it off, they are brilliant actresses, both cognitively and aesthetically gifted, and completely expressive of their gifts. ... full review

A Fringe MUST-SEE! Such a timely, well-written work by incredible actors.... full review

I Absolutely Loved it. It was very wholesome and I feel a lot of people could relate to most of the situations. ... full review

This is a must watch for Hollywood Fringe! On the surface it's about getting an abortion, but really it's a celebration. It's a celebration of friendship. Of family. Of independence. Of being young and reckless. Of Black joy! It's also heartwarming. Underneath the layers and layers of humor, it takes the time to address serious issues that young women face. It explores gender, sexuality, reproductive access, medical care, consent, and more. Jairis and Mareshah express what it means to be deeply creative people. This show will have to twerking and singing "Abortion Weekend"!... full review

This show had a unique storyline that was, both, educational and funny with a hint of drama. There was never a dull moment. I loved it!... full review

Abortion Weekend is an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING play. Jairis and Mareshah were outstanding. I didn’t feel as if they were acting, I felt like they were real! It was the perfect mixture of comedy and seriousness that left you crying and laughing at the same time. In the end the realness of the topic and the facts were presented by the actresses in a spectacular way. I LOVED IT!... full review