One in three uterus havers in the UK will at some point choose to terminate a pregnancy. Worldwide, the number is one in four. Mission Abort is the story of the human being behind the choice. Written in 2017 with dramaturgical support from Soho Theatre, where Therese is a Writers’ Lab alumna, this explosive one-woman play saw its world premiere at the 70th Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

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One of the inaugural shows at Gilded Balloon’s Rose Theatre venue, Mission Abort received great acclaim and was longlisted for an Amnesty Freedom of Expression Award. Following its three-week run in Edinburgh, Mission Abort headlined The Festival of Choice at Amnesty’s headquarters in London, was performed at The Space and VAULT Festival, and toured regionally and internationally in 2018-19. It was selected to be part of special touring initiatives by Swedish Riksteatern, and was brought to Sweden’s 4:e teatern in autumn 2019.

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The original production was directed by Claire Stone, produced by Courtenay Johnson (CARBON Theatre), and performed by Therese herself (cheaper that way). The play is humorous, approachable and easy to tour. Therese’s hopes for future productions of the work, whose relevance has only increased since it was first conceived (pun intended), include performances for school audiences. She is also considering ways to further increase the accessibility of the work through adaptation for audio or digital performance.

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Read Therese’s Huffington Post interview about the project here.

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Reviews

“Mission Abort is a one-actor-show at its absolute finest.”
★★★★★ Circle of Cinema

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“An important, bravura piece of theatrical magic.”
★★★★★ Theatre Bath

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”It’s an intimate, personal show, rather than an overtly political one, but that does little to reduce its significance. [...] For those in that number, Mission Abort might offer emotional support, a hand to hold, or just taboo-breaking relief. For the rest of us, it’s a vital window onto what abortion really involves.”
★★★★The Stage

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“A devastatingly gracious and effective piece of theatre, straying from clichés and tackling the subject with candour and energy.”
★★★★ Broadway World UK

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“Masterfully executed, Mission Abort tackles the taboo around abortion and makes the important point that it’s an issue that society should no longer be ashamed to address”
★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

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“...a very mature, honest, human take on the still largely taboo topic of abortion [...] In equal measure tragic and humorous, Ramstedt lands a beautiful, powerful performance.”
★★★★ Fringe Guru

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“Wonderfully ironic, devastatingly poignant”
★★★★ Ed Fringe Review

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“Brilliantly acted and incredibly emotive”
★★★★ Voice Magazine