Catch BIRTH, a spellbinding theatre piece exploring the unspoken stories of pregnancy loss across three generations of women. Conceived and directed by Guillaume Pigé, this emotional journey blends powerful performances, haunting music, and deep philosophical questions. Don’t miss this award-winning show that’s moved audiences to tears and earned standing ovations at EdFringe 2019.

About BIRTH

“I am not interested in the ephemeral... I am interested in those things that repeat and repeat and repeat in the lives of the millions.” ——Thornton Wilder

Pregnancy loss is an experience shared by countless women, yet it remains a topic rarely discussed and often shrouded in silence. It exists within the realm of the ‘unspoken’ or ‘unvoiced’, buried beneath layers of societal taboo.

Over the course of fifteen months, the creative team behind BIRTH delved into the concept of family secrets, uncovering parallels between their own lives and those of their parents and grandparents. Through interviews and workshops with women and families who have experienced pregnancy loss, they sought to give voice to these often-hidden stories. Collaborating with UCL Neuroscience Professor Kate Jeffery and Dr. Graeme A. Forbes, a lecturer in philosophy at the University of Kent, the team explored profound questions such as “What is passed down from one generation to the next?” and “When does memory begin?”

BIRTH tells the story of Sue, Katherine, and Emily—three generations of women from the same family whose lives are intricately woven into an invisible web. The production traces their journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and hope, offering a poignant exploration of shared experiences across generations.

Press

• “Ravishingly beautiful, spellbinding piece of work, performed with panache and utter conviction” ★★★★★ The Arts Desk
• “BIRTH is nothing short of a masterpiece” ★★★★★ Theatre Weekly
• “Truly deserved the standing ovation it got, as people were moved to tears and rendered speechless” ★★★★★ Broadway Baby
• “Wonderfully human and tremendously moving” ★★★★★ Theatre Box
• “Clever and beautiful... a stunning piece of theatre” ★★★★★ Fringe Review
• “An emotional story that cries out to be heard... An absolute must-see” ★★★★★ Mind the Blog

Nominations and Awards at EdFringe 2019

• Winner: BEST THEATRE – Theatre Weekly
• Nominated: BEST THEATRE – Broadway World
• Included in the BEST THEATRE roundup by FEST
• Included in the BEST THEATRE roundup by Theatre Bubble

Creative Team

• Conceived & Directed by – Guillaume Pigé
• Devised by the Company

Cast

• Emily – Ludovica Tagariello & Eygló Belafonte
• Suzanne – Vyte Garriga
• Katherine – Claudia Marciano
• George & James – Sam Morris
• Sam – Boing Yuen

Production Team

• Composer & Multi-instrumentalist – Alex Judd
• Lighting Designer – Katherine Graham
• Co-Lighting Designer & Technical Manager – Ross Hayward
• Company Stage Manager – Alice Cavanagh
• External Advisor – Josephine Tremelling
• Rehearsal Director – Eygló Belafonte
• Costume & Prop Designer – Malik Ibheis
• Costume Maker – Amédine Bello
• Dramaturg – Tamara von Werthern
• External Curator – Reverend Professor June Boyce-Tillman
• Philosopher – Dr. Graeme A. Forbes
• Scientific Collaborator – Professor Kate Jeffery

Devisors
Louise Wilcox, Eygló Belafonte, Matthew Austin, Claudia Marciano, Stefanie Bruckner, Guillaume Pigé, Alex Judd, Andres Velasquez, Charles Sandford, and Vyte Garriga

BIRTH is a powerful and moving exploration of memory, loss, and the invisible threads that connect generations, brought to life by a talented and dedicated creative team.