The Baby Question

Women in the UK have had access to the pill since 1974. What has changed since then for women?

Part of FIAFest 2023

The Baby Question is an experimental piece of feminist work, which places child-free women at the centre of the narrative and offers audiences a safe space to hear, discuss and debate what it means to be child-free in 2023.

In 1974, the contraceptive pill was made available to single women on the NHS for the first time. What has changed since then? What if child-free/childless women were at the centre of that narrative?

The Baby Question is a theatrical film exploring the narratives of women who are child-free by choice or circumstance, set in the world of a seventies Top Of The Pops style chart tv show.

During the live recording of a 70s Top of the Pops style chart show, female dancers perform Pan’s People style routines for a studio audience.

Meanwhile, an unseen male host mixes chart hit titles with landmark moments in feminism, reproductive rights, and increasingly personal references about the dancers performing. Gradually the world of the chart show breaks down, as these women consider what it means for them to be childfree/childless.

TheBabyQuestion is both a film screening with performative element via a live theatrical host who interact with the audience and the film itself. After the show there is the opportunity to engage in a post-show discussion about the issues raised throughout the screening

Age suitability: 13+ Contains sensitive themes surrounding fertility.