st year's In the Chair for a
provocative look at a complex issue.
If a national champion of women's rights sexually harasses his
staff, should we pardon or condemn him? This play explores Senator Bob Packwood's
precipitous fall using the actual words of those involved. From unexpected embraces in
elevators, to secret diary confessions about hair gel, to Packwood's impassioned defense
of the Equal Rights Amendment, join the creators of last year's In the Chair for a
provocative look at a complex issue.
Robert Hurwitt, S.F. Examiner
"A compelling 'Bob Packwood.' There are scenes here of crystalline clarity as Gene Thompson's courtly, eminently reasonable and just as eminently clueless Packwood keeps trying to act as if he holds the moral high ground. A.J. Davenport is particularly effective as the senator's still-understanding first wife and as a victimized staff member. Jacquelynn Kathleen is outstanding as Packwood's flinty, formidable chief of staff, and as an owlishly intense, eagerly supportive Larry King."
Mari Coates, S.F. Weekly
"Oregon Sen. Bob Packwood -- legendary lover or Penthouse wannabe? Diary entries provide a horifyingly hilarious counterpoint to the testimony of the women he chased around his office and other places. A fine ensemble of six handles the multiple roles with ease and authority. Everything in this crisp, intelligent show is a matter of public record, proving yet again that real life is a cartoon."
Dennis Harvey, S.F. Bay Guardian
"John Warren's play proves in no uncertain terms that truth is stranger than fiction. The results are often grotesquely funny, revealing both the pervasiveness of old-school 'boys' club' behavior in our civic spheres and Packwood's own out-of-control conduct."
Lynn Carey, Valley Times
"It was illuminating, and at times funny, serious and shocking. Gene Thompson's portrayal of the ex-senator from Oregon was so precise that, by the time the show was over, you wanted to take a bath. Jacquelynn Kathleen did an amazing imitation of Larry King, and Valerie Weak and Wendy Wilcox gave realistic performances as women who'd been harassed by Packwood."
Tiffany Maleshefski, S.F. Foghorn
"The play, conceived and directed by John Warren, does an outstanding job at raising questions, not only about shifty senators, but the emotional rage from the victims who have been harassed. Without elaborate costumes, fancy lighting, or a massive stage, viewers are immediately drawn into the dialogue and the exceptional acting of the cast.... From press conferences, to private meetings between the senator and his empolyees, to his hearing in front of the Ethics Committee, the issue of sexual harassment is viewed from all angles."
September: Research begun
July: First Reading
September: Opened in S.F. Fringe Festival at 450 Geary Studio Theatre
September: Named "Best of the Fringe" and Extended at Exit Theatre
January: Re-opened at Exit Stage Left, S.F.
February: Extended Again
March: Re-opened in Seattle Fringe Festival at Northwest Actors Studio
May: Performance for S.F. City College's Diversity Training Program
Following are the statistics we garnered during our S.F. Fringe Festival run:
Audience Members Overheard:
"I didn't know Bob Packwood was a champion of women's issues."
"It was exquisite!"
Following each performance of Groping for Justice, our audiences were offered brochures
about sexual harassment, from Equal Rights Advocates, 9 to 5: Association of Working
Women, Men Overcoming Violence, and the Commission on the Status of Women. Several
other organizations also lent advice and helped us get the word out about the show: Legal
Action for Women, Women Against Rape, Workers Rights/Legal Aid, and the Women's
Building.
The women and men of these organizations greeted our show with great enthusiasm. In turn,
we've been thrilled to help raise awareness about the essential work they do in the Bay Area
and around the country.
The women and men of these organizations greeted our show with great
enthusiasm. In turn, we've been thrilled to help raise awareness about the essential work
they do in the Bay Area and around the country.