Tokophobia: An Interview-Based Play

A little background:

I have recently embarked upon a journey to become a doula (birth coach), which has led me to hear several mixed things about the way our culture addresses the birth process. Due to this experience, I am working to create an Ethnodrama (interview-based theatre piece) exploring the culture of fear surrounding birth for women and partners. My research question is as follows: How has our culture created or reinforced fear of pregnancy, and how prevalent is that fear for women today? 

I have spent the last year plus connecting with mothers, birth partners, doulas and medical professionals in the New York area to discuss their experiences with the birth process and postpartum. I have collected dozens of recorded interviews, and have begun transcribing pieces to be performed onstage. Each selection highlights an important part of the birth experience, and illuminates conversations that our culture often shies away from discussing. TOKOPHOBIA gives voice to women and their sometimes shocking experiences with the system in a way that is imperative - yet rarely discussed - in our current cultural climate. 

Your contributions help make future interviews, readings, and performances possible. Get the latest information at http://www.jennygillett.com/about/

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