A PLAY written by Redditch man Andy Higgitt is to be presented as a work-in-progress show at The Artrix studio later this month.
‘Baby Blues’ explores what happens when a precious gift turns into a nightmare.
Performed by Forthright Theatre, it uses humour and drama to follow the confusing and turbulent journey of two couples after the birth of their new babies.
The work has been funded by Arts Council England, Redditch Mental Health Action Group and others.
It has also been supported by The Everyman Cheltenham, and Forthright have worked with associate director Naomi Said to combine movement and text, integrated with a blues music soundtrack, to tell the couples’ stories in an honest, funny and powerful way.
“Baby Blues is the second of a planned trilogy of plays looking at mental health,” said Andy, who also directs the play.
“The first play, The Gary and Robert Blues, was a one man show looking at men and mental health. This new play looks at post-natal depression.”
It is suggested that approximately one in eight women experience moderate to severe post-natal depression, which can severely affect every aspect of the development of her child and that 10 per cent of new fathers experience mental health issues related to post-natal depression.
The play has been informed by talking to people who have experienced the issue in some way.
“Our work is produced by researching real life stories and then creating fictional narratives,” added Andy.
Baby Blues, a work-in-progress is on at The Artrix Studio Sunday September 24 at 2.30pm and tickets are £5 before moving to the Everyman Cheltenham studio for Friday and Saturday September 22-23 at 7.45pm with tickets also £5.
Forthright Theatre is the performing arm of Redditch’s Jestaminute Community Theatre.
After all three shows there will be a Question and Answer session.
