August 28, 2007

This September, Maui will host a “Vagina Monologue type” performance of Birth. It is a play written by critically acclaimed playright Karen Brody who is a mother and journalist, who became inspired to have mothers tell the story of childbirth as it is today in America.

Eight Maui actresses, including Kathy “Tita” Collins will be performing Birth for the first time in Hawaii. These true stories told on stage, range from empowered home births to elective cesareans. More than 100 women were interviewed and their stories inspired playright Karen Brody to bring crucial issues to the stage.

“BOLD is a global movement to raise awareness and encourage mothers and fathers worldwide to learn the truth about childbirth and make informed birth choices,” says Brody.

After worldwide performances of Birth in 2006, critics embraced Birth as part of a global movement to make maternity care mother-friendly. In September, Birth will be performed in venues around the world including Chicago, Austrailia, Alaska, New York, The Netherlands, Washington, D.C. and Maui. Proceeds from each show will benefit local mother-friendly charities. Here on Maui the proceeds will go to a non-profit organization called  Women Who Care.  This is a charitable organization which encourages women to have empowered birth experiences and provides financial assistance to women in need. Find more information at the website at www.womenwhocare.org.

Robin Garrison, the play’s director and founder of Women Who care, adds, “this play will make you laugh, cry, and inspire you to make a difference in your community.”

Obstetrician and author Christiane Northrup says this about the movement, “Birth on Labor Day is an exciting, uplifting, and empowering answer to our nation’s childbirth crisis.”

Birth will be performed at the Iao Theatre in Wailuku on September 1, 15 and 29 at 5:00 p.m. each night.
Tickets are available at Maui Child Toys and Books in Makawao, Gecko Trading in Makawao, Rambutan in Paia,  Maui Steadfast Physical Therapy in Wailuku and on the web at: www.womenwhocare.org. For information, contact Robin Garrison at: charob@maui.net.