CASTING CALL                                       “Kimberly Said No”

A performance piece about informed consent and obstetric violence

Compensation:  $20/ hour
Contact Information: info@michellehartney.com
Contact: Michelle Hartney

Casting four parts for a performance piece scheduled in Chicago at Daley Plaza on Saturday, September 10th from noon-2pm.

Casting will take place August 22-25th in Wicker Park

One rehearsal will take place before the performance.  The rehearsal will be filmed and used as video documentation for the piece

Casting and rehearsals will take place in Wicker Park

Female: Latino, 20-30 years old

Female: open to all races 25-45 years old

Female: Latino: 40-60 years old

Male: open to all races 50-65 years old

Please email resume and head shot to Michelle Hartney  by August 19th if you would like to audition: info@michellehartney.com

In 2013, Kimberly Turbin was the victim of a brutal and unnecessary episiotomy that her doctor forced on her during the birth of her son.  She told Dr. Alex Abassi and her nurse that she had twice been the victim of rape, and to be gentle with her and to keep her informed of exactly what they were doing at all times.  Even though neither Kimberly nor her baby were under any medical distress, Dr. Abassi cut her vagina twelve times despite Kimberly’s begging and pleading with him not to. 

The entire ordeal was caught on video by a family member. 

Kimberly’s complaints to the hospital and her doctor were ignored.  With the help of the non-profit Improving Birth, Kimberly sought legal counsel, and her doctor was charged with assault and battery.  Mark Merin, a prominent lawyer who has been involved with many high-profile civil rights cases is representing Kimberly.  A ruling in Kimberly’s favor would set historic precedence in the United States, given legal protection for women during childbirth is uncertain.

Four actors will read the transcript of the video aloud word for word.  After the first read through, the female actress will read the role of the male doctor, and the male actor will read the role of Kimberly.

The video can be viewed here.  Please note the video is very graphic and disturbing