Liberation

 Liberation
James Earl Jones Theatre
October 14, 2025

Photo courtesy of Liberation

After a successful Off-Broadway run last winter, Liberation has moved to the James Earl Jones Theatre on Broadway.  Playwright Bess Wohl has outdone herself with this play.  She crafted a brilliant exploration into what drives the desire to instigate change and generate lasting impact.  Her characters all speak from the heart, addressing large social and political issues from intimate and personal perspectives.  Director Whitney White skillfully balances the voices, giving each character a platform to be heard.  The cast is phenomenal, creating moments of honest contact that nudges the audience into deep introspection. 

Lizzie (played by Susannah Flood) wants to tell the story of her recently deceased mother who, in 1970, started a women’s liberation group while living in Ohio.  Lizzie has a few unanswered questions about that work and experience, so she looks through her mother’s notebooks.  This transports her to the meetings in the basement basketball court of the local rec center.  Lizzie steps into her mother’s shoes and meets Margie (played by Betsy Aidem), Dora (played by Audrey Corsa), Celeste (played by Kristolyn Lloyd), Isadora (played by Irene Sofia Lucio), and Susan (played by Adina Verson).  They all share their stories, challenges, and trepidations.  Lizzie’s questions are not fully answered, so she contacts the women from the group who are still living.  Lizzie does not stop probing, finally digging into her mother’s choice to marry her father, which is more than she can handle on her own. 

Susannah Flood & Betsy Aidem
Photo courtesy of Liberation

The character of Lizzie directly addresses the audience at various times throughout the play.  This
personally engages the audience, keeping them fully connected to the action as it goes back and forth in time.  Susannah Flood does a remarkable job with this.  She befriends the audience, making them a part of how she tells the story.  She is fully present, emotionally exposed, and highly amiable.  

Photo courtesy of Liberation

Each of the characters is distinctly drawn, and this cast embodies every element of these specific and strong personalities.  Betsy Aidem is phenomenal as Margie.  As her character grows, she does not shed her cynical edge.  Audrey Corsa portrays the emergence of her character Dora with grace and confidence.  She truly blossoms through her participation in the group.  Kristolyn Lloyd is stoic and grounded as Celeste.  She bravely faces her challenges, yet is highly vulnerable when she lets down her guard.  Irene Sofia Lucio creates a lustful and vibrant Isadora.  As transparent as she presents herself, she is continually full of surprises.  Adina Verson is solid and fiery as Susan.  Her subtext is vivid and clear.  There are also powerful performances by Kayla Davion and Charlie Thurston.

Photo courtesy of Liberation

Most of the action of the play takes place in the 1970s and focuses on the women’s liberation
movement.  It directly speaks to who we, as a society, have become since then.  Our successes and our disappointments.  The play makes the point that our participation has value.  Great value.  Everyday value.  This is an important play. 

Liberation is playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre.  You must experience it for yourself.    

Domenick Danza