Choice Inspiration: A Conversation with Veronique Cyphyre, Creator of Cabaret4Choice
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Written by Carly Hope Finseth
Veronique Cyphyre is an inspiring woman. A long-time advocate of reproductive choice, Cyphyre has recently positioned herself as one of the up-and-coming reproductive choice leaders, using her wit, skill, and creativity to propel the issue of reproductive choice into the forefront of everyday American culture. She may not yet be a household name in feminist circles, but now, in the wake of one of the strongest Presidential Administration pushes for overturning reproductive freedom rights in recent history, Veronique's story is one that is not only appropriate - but also absolutely necessary - to share.
A long-time advocate of reproductive choice, Veronique has volunteered for Planned Parenthood in Santa Barbara, California for years, mostly initiating help with fundraising efforts. Yet, she says, despite her volunteer efforts, she still felt as though she could be doing more. "Maybe I could be one of the fundraisers," she thought. "You know, put something on and create something that will get people fired up and aware and awake ... I mean, you know, volunteering is all well and good but then let's take it to the next step." And that's surely what she did. Using her 20 years experience in dance choreography as well as her newfound passion in singing, she put together an innovative performance organization in support of reproductive freedom. She named her creation Cabaret4Choice.
It's difficult to describe the energy, intelligence, and artistic vision of Cabaret4Choice without seeing a live performance, or at the very least, purchasing the soundtrack CD - a collection of 10 songs ranging from serious to hilarious to everything in between. "I would call it a more performance art," says Cyphyre. "It's not formally staged."
As one reviewer described it, the performance is "info-tainment" - a witty combination of information and entertainment designed to educate the masses about reproductive choice. And, it's important to note that the performance and CD aren't solely filled with pro-abortion or anti-family sentiments. On the contrary, Cabaret4Choice also covers issues such as infertility and maternal and infant mortality. Tracks like "Speculation," a clever song celebrating the services of such organizations as PPFA, "Anthem for Choice," in which men and women raise their voices together in support of choice, and the environmentally-conscious "Population Time Bomb," demonstrate that the issue of choice is one that goes well beyond the right to abortion.
The message and goals of Cabaret4Choice is a bold one, although Cyphyre says she's already had widespread support throughout the Los Angeles music community. She's even had a surprise fan or two.
"I crossed paths with a man who - he's a musician, but he went to seminary for six years ... you know, very much a devout Christian and just wanted to learn as much as he could - and he was kind of hesitant to listen to my CD. But then he said that once he heard it he saw that it wasn't like, anti-life or pro-abortion, necessarily, and he saw that it really tried to touch on deeper issues and point out the complexity of the situation, and he really appreciated that." She beams, "And that, to me, is like ... I'm doing my job correctly if I'm just getting someone who thinks they have it dialed in to think in a new way and to recognize other possibilities and complexities, then I feel very good about what I'm doing."
Ultimately, Cyphyre just wants to make a difference in this world. "My hope," she says, "is that [Cabaret4Choice] will just touch the chord at a very deep human level, kind of transcending feminism or whatever and just touch people on a human level. And just have people - men and women, gay and straight, and everyone - just get involved and say, yeah. We need to keep choice alive ... You know, it's about everyone being empowered because if we all have that information, then we'll be able to make the right decision for who we are. And everyone has to be involved in the process; not just women."
Proceeds from Cabaret4Choice performances benefit choice organizations, such as Planned Parenthood (PPFA), although Cyphyre is quick to point out that the PPFA isn't an official sponsor.
"They felt like they couldn't make any official pronouncement or endorsement for the show because, you know, they were afraid that the pro-life people would say, 'You're anti-family and anti-child. How dare you make fun of motherhood by making fun of having a baby' and, you know, they didn't get the point," Cyphyre explains. "But I understand. We don't want to offend anybody and I thought, you know, this is kind of a blessing. Because by sort of not being as welcomed in my hometown as I had envisioned it actually gave me the opportunity to think globally. Instead of trying to act locally and stay there, I just thought, no, I've got to get this out of here and get it beyond, because I know there's a place for this."
And there certainly is. From large auditoriums to personal homes, Cabaret4Choice can be performed in a wide variety of venues and can be suited to fit a group's particular need. It was originally created to be a one-woman show, although the first performance had several contributors and musicians, turning it into a fun group show.
Cyphyre is now busy promoting the Cabaret4Choice performance and CD, and spreading the word to those who may be interested in having the unique show performed in their area. For more information, or to book a show, visit the Cabaret4Choice web site at http://www.cabaret4choice.org/.
Carly Hope Finseth spends much of her time pondering what she wants to be when she grows up. She alternates between days filled with cozy socks, hot tea, and meditative reflection - and others, which are loaded with caffeine fixes, grueling commutes, and one fire to put out after another. When she’s not sifting through e-mails, dropping her cell phone, or sticking another reminder Post-It on her desk, Carly also somehow finds the time to write and reflect on important (and the occasional not-so-important) feminist issues.
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Veronique Cyphyre is an inspiring woman. A long-time advocate of reproductive choice, Cyphyre has recently positioned herself as one of the up-and-coming reproductive choice leaders, using her wit, skill, and creativity to propel the issue of reproductive choice into the forefront of everyday American culture. She may not yet be a household name in feminist circles, but now, in the wake of one of the strongest Presidential Administration pushes for overturning reproductive freedom rights in recent history, Veronique's story is one that is not only appropriate - but also absolutely necessary - to share. 
And there certainly is. From large auditoriums to personal homes, Cabaret4Choice can be performed in a wide variety of venues and can be suited to fit a group's particular need. It was originally created to be a one-woman show, although the first performance had several contributors and musicians, turning it into a fun group show. 
Carly Hope Finseth spends much of her time pondering what she wants to be when she grows up. She alternates between days filled with cozy socks, hot tea, and meditative reflection - and others, which are loaded with caffeine fixes, grueling commutes, and one fire to put out after another. When she’s not sifting through e-mails, dropping her cell phone, or sticking another reminder Post-It on her desk, Carly also somehow finds the time to write and reflect on important (and the occasional not-so-important) feminist issues.
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