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The Review - THEATRE by Simon Wroe
Published: 15 November 2007

Warning: passing a cabbage can make
your eyes water

BABY TALK
ETCETERA THEATRE
By Sara Newman

THREE women pant in time with each other as they screech expletives, faces crumpled in agony.
Epidurals, home births, caesareans, pre and post-natal depression, work-life balance, single mothers and bastard pain – nothing is left untouched in this short play.
Using a plethora of props and basic
theatre techniques, this production tackles pregnancy and childbirth with imagination and humour.
We are authoratively informed that childbirth is like pooing out a cabbage by Camilla (Jessica Woolf).
Effusively happy during pregnancy, Camilla becomes withdrawn and depressed, one supposes largely because of the lack of support from her husband once she gives birth.
In contrast Suzie (Silvana Montoya) is at once fearful and disgusted at the prospect of childbirth but soon becomes enamoured by her baby when it is finally born.
Baby Talk may be the product of hours of research and improvisation but the crew of The Crescent Theatre Workshop ensure it treads the boards lightly. Sparse dialogue and plenty of action relays Suzie and Steve’s experience of having their first child.
Faceless mischievous dummy toddlers are manoeuvred by the actors.
An archetypal blue hospital sheet is used to shroud the childbirth. The audience get a glimpse of the
caesarean procedure, complete with tongs, swab and scalpel, enacted in silhouette.
This is a must-see for anyone resolved on never having children, is about to have one and for anyone who has a mother.
UNTIL NOV 18
020 7482 4857

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