B!RTH is a unique collaboration between science and theatre. Using a series of provocative plays and dynamic panel discussions, B!RTH aims to raise awareness, change policy and provoke debate around the vast inequality in maternal and newborn health across the world.

Each year, an estimated 303,000 women and over 5 million babies die because of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The vast majority of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries, and many are preventable.

B!RTH’s seven hard-hitting plays explore some of the issues behind these deaths. They are written by seven of the world’s most exciting female playwrights from Brazil, China, India, Kenya, Syria, UK and USA and cover themes such as lack of choices in pregnancy and birth, violence against women and abuse of reproductive health rights. All seven plays were written in conversation with experts and with real women living with the issues explored; in performing the plays, B!RTH aims to amplify the voices of these women so that they reach those in the position to make change.

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