What I liked
One of the underlying messages in Abortion Weekend mirrors a common issue today: how people deal with the burden of unexpected events, including financial struggles. Just as Dazia finds herself cornered by her unexpected pregnancy, many people face financial crises that leave them scrambling for solutions, like taking out loans, using payday loans, or relying on a $1000 credit card to cover immediate expenses. These quick fixes, like the self-sabotaging activities Dazia engages in, often come with long-term consequences that are difficult to escape.
The play’s raw depiction of Dazia’s inner turmoil reflects the emotional weight of debt and financial strain. Payday loans and credit card debt, much like Dazia’s plan for an abortion weekend, may seem like the only option in desperate situations, but they often lead to more damage down the line. Both are cautionary tales about the dangers of short-term solutions to long-term problems, reminding the audience that the consequences can be just as difficult to handle as the original crisis.
What I didn't like
Abortion Weekend is an unflinching exploration of tough choices, with a sharp, contemporary lens on friendship, adulthood, and survival, making it a must-see for anyone who appreciates theater that pushes boundaries while also tackling modern dilemmas like financial pressures and emotional struggles.
My overall impression
Abortion Weekend is a daring and thought-provoking play that tackles the heavy themes of friendship, responsibility, and the harsh realities of adulthood with humor and raw honesty. Set during the summer before best friends Dazia and Ayanna’s senior year of college, the play initially seems like it will be a light-hearted romp through their final carefree days in LA. The girls’ plans for a fun-filled summer quickly unravel when Dazia, the preacher’s daughter, unexpectedly becomes pregnant. Opposed to abortion but knowing she’s not ready for motherhood, Dazia hatches a plan to go through a chaotic, self-destructive weekend in hopes of ending the pregnancy naturally.
This emotionally charged story highlights the lengths people go to when faced with impossible decisions, and it’s clear why the play earned the 2022 Fringe Scholarship. The narrative masterfully weaves in humor and drama, showing the complexities of Dazia’s situation, and how desperation can lead to dangerous choices. While abortion is at the center of the plot, the play also touches on themes of identity, faith, and the pressure to grow up and face adult responsibilities.
