At the intersection of feminism and addiction lies Betty Ford.
'Betty' is a bold, theatrical experience that reimagines the story of former First Lady Betty Ford—her struggle as a politician's wife, her battle with addiction, her activism, and her journey through denial and recovery.
Blending the high-energy artistry of théâtre du geste with an innovative approach to gender representation, 'Betty' challenges convention. Using non-binary casting to highlight gender issues of the 1970s, this production offers a fresh, thought-provoking production that is as visually captivating as it is emotionally resonant.
Developed by the Ohlavaka Ensemble since March 2022, the production has taken shape through international residencies in Chicago, Paris, Germany, and Spain and was invited to perform at Stockholm Fringe and Gothernberg, Fringe Festivals in Sweden.
What Audiences Are saying
“Betty est émouvante, fidèle à la réalité. La mise en scène est vivante, divertissante et symbolique.”
[Betty is moving and true to life. The staging is lively, entertaining, and symbolic.]
- Marie-Laure, Directrice, Son Ar Mein
“Looooooved it, so vibrant, left feeling enerized!”
- Charikleia Kefalidou, Professor, University Nanterre
“It was simply mesmerizing.”
-Anna, audience Morlaix, France
Artistic Team
Writer/Director/Producer: Alicia Queen
Performances By: Alexander Burnett, Ellie Whittaker, Ivet Sans Vincente, Kyra Vandeneden, Remi Oriogun-Williams
Sound Design: Andres Hernandez
Athenaeum Theatre, Chicago, Illinois
Monastery Allerheiligenberg, Lahnstein, Germany
Teatre Nu, Saint Marti du Tous, Spain
La Barge, Morlaix, France