On Tuesday, June 9, faculty, students and staff are invited to experience “Birth”, a documentary-style play that looks at how low-risk, educated mothers give birth in America. The free performance will be held at the Shands at UF Stetson/MSB Auditorium at 4 p.m.
Featuring eight women and 11 birth stories, the funny, thought-provoking and moving “Birth” is hailed as “The Vagina Monologues for birth” by women’s health expert Dr. Christiane Northrup.
The complimentary performance is dedicated to Shands at AGH Maternal/Child Services unit for 75 years of service to the Gainesville community.
Audience members will meet Amanda, who wants the anesthesiologist to meet her at the entrance to the hospital; Beth, who plans a C-section from the start; Jillian, whose path from first birth to fourth takes her from birth center to hospital to homebirth; Lisa, who feels her midwives betrayed her; Natalie, who plans for a natural birth with a doula but ends up with a C-section; and four other women, all with their own stories to tell.
An opportunity to look at birth from the other side of the delivery room, this play will move, inspire and challenge the audience.
Following the play guests are invited to stay for a “talkback” session with the actors and a panel of birth professionals to discuss the play and the formation of an Alachua County birth network.
“Birth” is produced by Yopp! Inc. as part of BOLD, a global arts-based movement inspiring communities to create childbirth choices that work for mothers. Since 2006, nearly 100 BOLD locations worldwide have raised over $130,000 for childbirth organizations. Yopp! Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to bring family-oriented, creative, enriching and educational opportunities to our community.
In addition to the free performance at UF, other Gainesville show times are scheduled for Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 14 at the Thomas Center and Town of Tioga Meeting Hall. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students. Attendance may qualify for nursing CEU’s. Visit http://www.boldgainesville.com for more information.