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Fond Arms of Love

A play and discussion exploring neo-natal death and infant mortality

Availability:

Available for one-off bookings and short tours. Please contact info@womenandtheatre.co.uk for more information.

Introduction

Fond Arms is a bi-lingual interactive theatre programme which explores issues surrounding neo-natal death and infant mortality. It was originally commissioned by Walsall NHS to look at the higher than the national average incidence of neo natal death in certain communities.

The play (partially bilingual in English & Urdu) introduces the story of a family: married couple Abdul and Ruksana and mother Noori. Ruksana has recently lost a baby during pregnancy and the play follows the family’s emotional journey as they come to terms with the loss and start planning for the future. Fond Arms of Love stresses the importance of support and communication within the family, especially highlighting a father’s role in accessing health information and advice.

Designed for intimate audiences, the piece is interactive and encourages audience interaction throughout. At times the audience can enter the discussion, acting ‘in-role’ as link workers to interact with characters and draw out the story. The play is followed by a facilitated post-show discussion with health professionals to provide accurate information and signposting to local support and advisory services. Fond Arms is a short, accessible piece that is intended as a catalyst for discussion and change, and to develop trust between communities and local health services.

Like all of Women & Theatre’s work on sensitive issues, Fond Arms does not draw any judgements or conclusions, but offers an appropriate, supported way of passing on information, opening up discussion, and informing people about local services, especially key services offered offered by GPs, midwives and link workers throughout pregnancy. It also stresses the importance of clear communication which empowers people to make their own informed choices.

Through the story of a fictional family, an opportunity is opened up for ‘safe’ dialogue around sensitive subjects. Audiences can engage with characters ‘in-role’ and discuss opinions, reservations and fears with the ‘protection of fiction’, with no need to feel that they are exposing personal details or feeling judged.

W&T has extensive experience of dealing with sensitive issues within its work and engaging with diverse communities in a respectful way. We pride ourselves on producing and delivering deep work that promotes thought and open debate. We create a safe platform to air all points of view. At the heart of our work is respectful research and a commitment to positive social change.

History

Fond Arms was commissioned by Walsall NHS, to support partnership work across selected areas of Walsall and piloted at a multi agency event bringing different organisations and community members together.

Developed from research, the piece was performed by Janice Connolly, Inman Mirza and Bharti Patel alongside health professionals ‘starring’ as themselves. The piece was very well received by all partners including religious leaders and community workers who had been apprehensive about the political and religious sensitivity of the issue but welcomed our appropriate and insightful treatment of the subject matter.

W&T and Walsall NHS recognise the need to continue to address this subject and work together with communities to bring it forward for discussion and conversation. We are aware that media coverage to date has alienated communities and created negative impressions about the services available; the attitudes professionals may have and the overall experience they could have when engaging in services.

Notes

Outcome

Production Credits

Research: Janice Connolly & Bharti Patel
Writing: Janice Connolly
Devising: Janice Connolly, Bharti Patel and Inam Mirza

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