#thebabyquestion
a theatrical film -
In 1974 the contraceptive pill was made available to single women for the first time on the NHS. What has changed since then in the way we discuss not when or how but *whether* a woman has or wants to have children?
CREATIVE TEAM
A Varjack-Lowry Production
Initially devised by Paula Varjack, Catriona James + Luca Rutherford
Performed by Paula, Cat, Luca and Anna Kitson
Initial Producer - Zoe Anjuli Robinson
Current producer - Amy Merrigan
Dramaturgy - Maddy Costa
Movement Direction - Janine Fletcher
Sound Design - Branwen MunnSet Design - Ellie Koslowsky
teaser
A theatrical film that centres the narratives of women child-free/childless by choice or circumstance, amidst societal pressures and pop culture.
During the live recording of a seventies top of the pops style chart show, three female dancers perform Pans’s People style routines for a studio audience. Meanwhile, an unseen male host mixes chart hit titles with landmark moments in feminism, reproductive rights, and increasingly personal references about the dancers performing.
Gradually the world of the chart show breaks down, as these women consider what it means for them to be childfree/childless. Paula Varjack began research and development on #thebabyquestion in 2017, quickly realising that unlike her previous performances, this was a subject that felt too expansive for a solo work.
In order to create something more universal than her own experience, she approached Catriona James and myself. Together the three of us share an interest in using performance as a way of sparking conversations with audiences about themes that matter to us. #thebabyquestion is our first collaboration. For more info on Paula’s research check out her tumblr here https://thebabyquestion.tumblr.com/
SUPPORTED BY
Co-commissioned by Battersea Arts Centre, The Gulbenkian, Camden Peoples Theatre & Upstart Theatre. Supported by funding from Arts Council England. Rehearsed at Old Diorama Arts Centre.
Poster/flyer image photographed/art directed by Field & Mclygn. Graphic design by Ben Gregory
Audience Vox Pops
The Baby Question premiered at Croydonites festival October 2022. We recorded audience reactions to the screening. Click on the video for a sneaky peak.
WHEN
#thebabyquestion is touring as a live screening in theatre venues from Spring 2023. Currently tour booking, see Dates page or for booking info, email team producer, Amy Merrigan (ag.merrigan@gmail.com).