BIRTH | Seven countries. Seven plays. One global controversy.

B!RTH is a unique collaboration between science and theatre.

Using a series of provocative plays and dynamic panel discussions, this global theatrical project aims to raise awareness and provoke debate around the vast inequality in maternal and newborn health across the world.

All 7 of the B!RTH plays are now available to download free as a tool to raise awareness and encourage debate locally, nationally, and internationally.

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B!RTH is a great example of how the arts can make a real difference to people’s thinking, their education and the world.

Baroness Shami Chakrabarti CBE

Human Rights Lawyer, Campaigner, and Peer

We have the facts and the evidence; we know the subject matters well. We’ve got it in our head but you also need it in your heart. The power of storytelling and theatre does that.

World Health Organization Delegate

Plays like this are an instrument for energising individuals and a connection with society as a whole.

Professor Mukesh Kapila CBE

Professor of Global Health and Humanitarian Affairs, University of Manchester

I can imagine sections of the plays being used in antenatal education and in the education of student midwives.”

Professor Mavis Kirkham

Emeritus Professor of Midwifery, Sheffield Hallam University

Art brings the narrative alive and helps people to see the issue in a different way.

Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent

Head of Maternity, NHS England

I am very honoured to have seen these plays but I am angry and impatient. Things need to change

Deputy Director General, World Health Organization

I would recommend the use of the B!RTH scripts unreservedly, either in seminars, university open days, student union groups, and even outreach events with local schools.

Dr Ben Kasstan

Research Fellow in Social Anthropology, University of Sussex

The partners of the legacy project were:

The Centre for Maternal and Newborn Health at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

The Centre for Maternal and Newborn Health at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is the scientific advisor and lead partner on the B!RTH project.

The Oglesby Charitable Trust

The Oglesby Charitable Trust (OCT) was established in 1992, but only became active in the early 2000’s, since which time it has supported over 250 charities and has given approximately £7 million.

The Royal Exchange Theatre

The Royal Exchange Theatre is a leading producing theatre situated in the heart of Manchester and winner of The Stage Awards Regional Theatre of the Year