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Ottawa Production of Acclaimed Birth Play Opens Discussion on Birth Choices
Local premiere of global theatre-for-change initiative to benefit Breech Birth Conference
Ottawa Production of Acclaimed Birth Play Opens Discussion on Birth Choices |
Birth is a critically acclaimed production that has been performed around the world to more than 10,000 people each year as part of BOLD (Birth On Labour Day), a global arts-based movement addressing the issue of childbirth choices and the local groups raising money for related causes. Described as the "Vagina Monologues of birth", this play is a painfully honest, brutally funny, and incredibly moving journey through the true birth stories of eight modern-day women. A key part of the evening is the “talkback” following the play, where audience members have the opportunity to discuss these issues with local professionals working in maternity care. Cast members include some of Ottawa’s top female talent; professional actors such as Nancy Kenny, Natasha Jetté, Heather Archibald, Kate Drummond, Corinne McDonald, Chantale Plante and Miriam Westland, as well as CBB’s own Robin Guy, a professional stage actor recently seen in Oreo (winner of Best in Venue at the Ottawa Fringe Festival), Vision Theatre's Some Girls and Eddie May Mysteries. “We believe the impact of this fundraiser could be immense in terms of raising community consciousness that birth is normal, while raising funds for the Breech Birth Conference, a historical event which will bring the world’s foremost experts on breech delivery to Ottawa in October,” said Guy. Running concurrently on Saturday, a 'Red Tent' feature is presented by the Consumers Supporting Midwifery Care (www.midwiferyconsumers.org) where women are encouraged to join in and share their local birth stories. Admission to the 'Red Tent' is a small donation to the Breech Conference. “Childbirth today is a human rights issue for low-risk pregnant mothers,” said playwright Karen Brody, who spent a year interviewing over 100 low-risk women before writing her play. Funds raised at the Ottawa shows will support women and babies’ rights, and the sharing of knowledge among professionals at the International Breech Birth Conference to be held in Ottawa, October 15 & 16, 2009. ******* Birth – A play by Karen Brody To set up interviews with the cast, local organizers and childbirth experts taking part in this fundraiser, as well as telephone interviews with playwright Karen Brody or previous organizers of BOLD events in other cities, please contact Gina Merlin, Media Relations at breechbirth@gmail.com. We are happy to oblige media needs in any way we can. Please RSVP to attend the rehearsal on Wednesday evening.
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