Piedmont High School’s Advanced Acting program produced Lisa Loomer’s comedic drama Roe from March 5th-8th at the Piedmont Center for the Arts.

The lawyer: a young, driven woman who argued Roe v. Wade before the Supreme Court. The plaintiff: a wild, hippie bartender seeking to end an unwanted pregnancy. As we know, they won the landmark 1973 case that legalized abortion. But what most people don’t know is how their divergent journeys after the case reflect the current divide in American culture. With shocking turns and surprising humor, Roe illuminates the difficult choices people make, and the passion each side has for its cause.

Author Lisa Loomer wrote Roe to understand the divide that exists in this country today. “I wanted to understand: Why can’t we talk to each other, as Americans, about this issue?  I don’t kid myself that a play will change minds.  It happens, but very rarely.  But if we open our minds enough to even consider a position that is different from the one we brought into the theater – that is the beginning of compassion.”

PHS acting teacher Kimberly Taylor invited Anjuli Turner to play the role of Roxanne and said, “Anjuli went above and beyond and blew our socks off in her secret work as Roxanne.” Anjuli was thrilled to dabble in acting and honored to be part of such a talented crew who helped her understand all sides of the Roe v Wade debate.