Editor’s Pick: “Maz & Bricks” Explores Ireland’s Repeal of the Abortion Ban

metroweekly.com:

Roe v. Wade next month.What they’ll find is that artists played a sizable role in advancing the Irish repeal effort, many of whom committed to creating art tackling the issue of reproductive issues and rights.Among those taking up the charge was young Irish playwright Eva O’Connor, who wrote Maz & Bricks, “a passionate, funny, and touching play,” offering “a timely, compelling look at the human side of a complicated issue.”It’s set at a “Repeal the 8th” rally in Dublin circa 2017, where the play’s two young leads meet cute, and then develop an unlikely bond as the day unfolds, in a way that will go on to change each other in ways they never thought possible.Solas Nua, the D.C.-based contemporary Irish arts organization whose name means New Light in Irish, will stage a production of O’Connor’s play starring Emily Kester as Maz and Jonathan Feuer as Bricks, and directed by the company’s Rex Daugherty.“While abortion is one of the most polarizing topics in our society, this play isn’t a debate,” says Daugherty. “It’s a lens into how this issue deeply affects our relationships.

And the play is quite funny — only an Irish writer could show us how to bring humor into this loaded issue. I can’t wait for audiences to laugh, think, and feel along with us in this dynamic piece of writing.”After each performance, assistant producer and dramaturg Charlotte La Nasa will lead post-show discussions with panelists representing reproductive rights groups, primarily intended to help theatergoers learn more about the best ways to get involved.Opens Thursday, June 9 and runs through June 26.