A new play about everything taboo: sexuality, periods, masturbation, sexism, sexual assault, and mental health. Rules? Nope. How it’s supposed to be? No way. Laugh and learn as four college students challenge stereotypes and define female sexuality in a way that sex ed can’t. There are some things you just can’t learn in the classroom.
Last January at the New York Theater Festival, I premiered my play Taboo! It was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had, bringing this dream to fruition from start to finish to working with some incredible collaborators.
When I was younger, sex ed taught me little to nothing about everything it claims to cover. I learned more from the American Girl: Body Book for Girls than I did from anyone in school, because they were so afraid of saying the thing that would get an angry phone call from a parent. But I never felt that anyone (aside from my mother, but that’s her job) was straight up with me about my sexuality, the way my body works, and the fact that it’s okay to talk about it.
It wasn’t until more recently that I realized how important these conversations are for all girls and women. In this time, we shouldn’t have to be ashamed of the natural rhythms of our bodies and the implications they have on our lives - this goes for women of all ages, and the characters in this play. I hope that this inspires you to have a conversation about anything taboo - and while you have your right to privacy, ask yourself: are you private because you want to be private, or because you feel the alternative is embarrassing?
I hope to expand this project to a full-length piece to continue educating and creating awareness around women's day-to-day experiences. Look out for updates!
