Daughter Reflects on Mother's Feminist Legacy as 'Liberation' Premieres on Broadway

In 2025, Bess Wohl's play "Liberation" has made the leap from Off Broadway to the prestigious Broadway stage. The story centers on Lizzie, a young woman who serves as the narrator, as she explores her mother's involvement in a 1970s feminist group.

Lizzie's mother, also named Lizzie, founded the women's group in 1970, though even she was unsure of its exact purpose. The group met weekly in a school gymnasium, surrounded by reminders of the male-dominated sports culture. Lizzie Jr. leads the audience through an inquiry into what her mother's generation achieved, particularly in securing the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, while also grappling with the question: "Why does it feel somehow like it's all slipping away? And how do we get it back?"

The play features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own perspectives on the women's liberation movement. From a lesbian who believes childbirth is the root of female oppression to an Italian immigrant who sees her marriage as a matter of convenience, the group's discussions touch on a range of radical ideas. As Lizzie Jr. navigates her mother's legacy, the play examines whether the feminist gains of the past have been eroded over time.