Freedom of Speech

You’ve heard her voice before but never like this. Eliza Jane Schneider’s one-woman play Freedom of Speech created a captivating archive of the voices of a nation – and soon she’ll be doing that on a global scale – with a podcast of the same name.

From the heart of Portland, arguably America’s populist frontline, Freedom of Speech raises the question: “What kind of revolution do we REALLY want?” Eliza Jane Schneider brings to life the 7000 real interviews and opinions she collected over a 317,000-mile trip around America and, subsequently, the world.
Originally traveling around the country in a converted ambulance, Schneider asked anyone who would answer, “What’s going on?” The play and podcast are a living archive of these answers, each one unique and personal.

More than just a play, Freedom of Speech is an anthropological marvel – an unfettered look at American culture gathered through honest and open conversation, and a uniquely female brand of listening…
Eliza will be joined by an esteemed group of performers and panelists, speaking on the different important causes and themes the play addresses.

Performers/Panelists
Sean Cruz, Executive Director of the Jim Pepper Native Arts Council, and Co-Author with Winona LaDuke of The Militarization of Indian Country, who will kick off the event with performers including:
Gary Ogan, the board Chairman and Musical Director of the Jim Pepper Native Arts Council and Oregon Music Hall of Fame Inductee, (performing two of his original songs)
Rosa Linda, Indigenous/Chicana Singer/Song-Writer from Portland Oregon.

Panelists/Tabling
Joe Bazeghi, Director of Engagement of Recovery Works NW, treating substance use recovery and wellness.
Jefferson Smith, host of the “Democracy Nerd” podcast and former Oregon state lawmaker
Stephen Robinson, theplaytyperguy Independent Journalist and Podcaster: link to recent episode: Speaking Freely With Eliza Jane Schneider
Andy Miller, Executive Director of Our Just Future, contributing their expertise in democracy, community development, and poverty alleviation.
Norman Turrill, President, Governance Coordinator of League of Women’s Voters LWV of Oregon.

“If Lily Tomlin and Anna Deavere Smith were to merge their talents, the result might be something like Eliza Jane Schneider’s Freedom of Speech, a dramatic tour of America and also a tour de force… A wondrous harmony of American voices pouring from a one-woman choir.” — Time-Out New York

“Captivating! A vivid aural photo album of America.” — New York Post

“Astonishing transformations!” —New York Times

For more information about Eliza Jane and Freedom of Speech, visit www.fosplay.com