DVD | Color 60 min | Full Screen. Produced by Take Ten, Inc. Written by Cindy Cooper
ISBN 978-0-8026-0763-8
Price:$31.95*Home Video includes Public Library Circulation rights.
ISBN 978-0-8026-0764-5
Price:$249.95**Academic and Institutional price including Public Performance rights for non-paying audiences.
Consumers Reviews
Karen Oughtredsays... Words of Choice should be mandatory viewing in all senior high schools and colleges as it breaks open the abortion debate in a non-threatening way, often with humor and always with sensitivity. The dramatization of real people’s stories as depicted in Words of Choice of the difficult choices facing women and men when deciding to terminate a pregnancy, allows the audience to reflect on the issues without judgment. Enthusiastic portrayals by the three female actors playing all parts, adds emotional depth to the debate while promoting and encouraging dialogue amongst the audience.
An added bonus is the inclusion of interviews with audience members ranging from Pro-Choice Activists to a State Senator. These interviews add an extra dimension to the debate allowing the viewer to reflect on the bigger picture, which according to Jana Mackey (NOW, Kansas), “is about valuing women”.
Cindy Cooper, the creator of Words of Choice, compassionately speaks of her desire to provoke a thoughtful response in the viewer who will then be empowered to speak up for women’s reproductive rights.
Barbara Beckersays... Over the years I have seen nearly every film and presentation about abortion in America. But "Words of Choice" is unique. Cindy Cooper has transformed embattled discussions about choice into honest, heartbreaking and witty insights on real women and their lives. The experience is always profound and will leave you with renewed hope and passion.
Rebecca Jonessays... Words of Choice is an authentic, creative and informative film that provides an important platform for discussing and exploring choice issues. The dramatization of personal stories, poetry and short scenes, presented by a talented cast of three actors, forms the centerpiece of the film. The addition of interviews and historical footage make this a really comprehensive investigation of reproductive rights issues. Excellent selection for college groups, activists or house parties.
Angela Bonavoglia says... Words of Choice provides a passionate, eye-opening, engaging, and—astonishingly—at times even humorous exploration of this most combustible of contemporary issues. The actors in Cindy Cooper’s dramatic collage bring the issue to life in a way this has never been done before. The performance features a host of people—played by four vivacious actors—who range from a father whose daughter was gang-raped and became pregnant to a nurse whose body was mutilated in the “pro-life” bombing of an abortion clinic to a teenage girl who finds herself in a home for unwed mothers carrying her unexpected pregnancy to term. While obviously taking a pro-choice perspective, Words of Choice asks the hard questions and doesn’t provide easy answers. It encourages critical thinking as well as compassion. Everyone who wants to understand abortion better should watch this DVD.
Critics Reviews
"......Never glib or strident, the film offers a cogent and unapologetic defense of reproductive freedom. While adults will be both moved and angered by Words of Choice, its message will resonate with high school and college students. A teaching guide accompanies the DVD, making it easy for those who want to use it as an educational tool to do so.
To read the full review, Let’s Hear It for Choice: A Review of the Film “Words of Choice”, please click here."
-Eleanor J. Bader, The Indypendent
"Adapted from Cindy Cooper’s stage production of the same name, Words of Choice presents a myriad of issues in the abortion debate from the perspective of pro-choice advocates. Three talented actresses portray a wide variety of characters (both female and male) in pieces ranging from funny to heartbreaking, featuring a woman born the same year as the landmark Roe v. Wade decision; a father recounting the brutal rape of his daughter that resulted in pregnancy; and a pregnant teen facing the decision of whether to keep, abort, or put her baby up for adoption. The strong messages here are often creatively presented, such as when a rap trio (representing adoption agencies and right-to-life groups) tells an unwed mother, “we’ll stand with you ‘til you’re born – after that you’re on your own.” Advocates of reproductive freedom will find much here to fuel discussion, although the film’s characterizations of pro-life extremists will do little to bridge the ever-widening gap in the national debate. DVD extras include additional performance shorts, interviews, a discussion guide, and links to web resources. Recommended."
-C. Block, Video Librarian
"Words of Choice doesn’t literally hit readers upside the heat to shake some sense into them, but it comes close. Based on Cindy Cooper’s long running play of the same name, the film demonstrates why women need abortion and other reproductive options. Its goal is clearly agitational, urging stepped-up pro-choice activism.
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To read the full review, "Cindy Cooper and Words of Choice" from Z Magazine, please click here."
-Eleanor J. Bader, Z Magazine
"More than 30 years after the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, American women still struggle with rights
to reproductive justice, privacy, and choice. This compilation of more than a dozen short (both serious and
lighthearted) theatrical performances dealing with reproductive freedom includes various expressive
pieces, ranging from poetry readings to songs, dramas, and speeches, staged on stark, sparsely decorated
sets. All draw attention to the painful experiences that denial of rights can bring, including a father’s rage
over events of his daughter’s rape, a reproductive nurse’s feelings about surviving a bomb attack by
antiabortionists, and a fast-food chain’s satirical announcement about a “morning after” contraceptive meal
sure to please those hungering for pregnancy solutions. Bonus features include additional performances,
interviews with writers, and a discussion guide. For larger collections."
-Carol Holzberg, Booklist
SummaryIn a video adaptation of a widely seen touring stage production, Words of Choice opens conversations about reproductive justice. The actors portray multiple characters and viewers experience the many ways that people's lives are affected by topics that pepper the news.
-A woman born in the same year as Roe v. Wade contemplates both of their futures.
-A parent recounts a daughter's rape and the feelings it provokes.
-A pregnant teen tries to remember the phone number of the father from their one-night stand.
-A newscaster describes the greatest contraceptive invention yet - the morning-after burrito.
Whether addressing abortion, birth control or pregnancy, these stories offer unparalleled opportunities to think and reflect about choice and reproductive justice.
This DVD contains:
-One-Hour Feature Presentation
-Additional Performance Shorts
-Interviews of Audience Members and Writer Cindy Cooper
-Discussion Guide and Educational Resources
