American Lives Theatre Brings Thought-Provoking World Premiere Borrowed Babies to Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre

This February, Indianapolis theatergoers have the rare opportunity to experience a brand-new work making its world premiere. American Lives Theatre presents Borrowed Babies, a moving and thought-provoking play by Jennifer Blackmer, directed by Bridget Haight, running February 5–22 at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre in downtown Indianapolis.

Set against the backdrop of 1950s America, Borrowed Babies explores a little-known chapter of social history: the practice of using real infants in college home economics programs, where young women were trained in childcare and domestic skills. In the play, Professor Judy London is confronted by an unexpected visitor—a former “practice baby” from her past—forcing her to reckon with the personal sacrifices she made in pursuit of her career, as well as the shifting expectations placed on women and mothers across generations.

What begins as a surprise reunion quickly unfolds into a deeply personal examination of ambition, regret, and the complicated legacy of choices made in a different era. As the story moves between past and present, Borrowed Babies raises timely questions about the cost of professional success, the pressures placed on women to define themselves through motherhood, and how society’s ideas about caregiving and gender roles continue to evolve.

The 90-minute production marks the world premiere of Blackmer’s script, bringing fresh, original theater to Indianapolis stages. Under the direction of Bridget Haight, the play balances historical context with emotional intimacy, offering audiences both a compelling narrative and a lens into an unsettling yet fascinating social experiment of the mid-20th century.

Performances take place at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre, located at 705 N. Illinois Street, with evening shows on Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturday matinees at 4 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. The first public performance is tonight (Thursday), with the official opening night set for Friday, February 6. Opening night will include a post-show reception featuring 1950s-themed party food and complimentary champagne, inviting audiences to step back into the era that inspired the story.

Photos from the production are provided by Indy Ghost Light, capturing the atmosphere and emotional depth of the performance.

Borrowed Babies continues American Lives Theatre’s commitment to presenting socially relevant stories that spotlight overlooked histories and amplify complex human experiences. For audiences seeking theater that challenges, resonates, and sparks conversation, this world premiere offers a powerful reason to spend an evening at the Phoenix.

Tickets and additional information are available at:

https://www.phoenixtheatre.org/buy-tickets