THE CENTER AT WEST PARK PRESENTS
SEPTEMBER 8 - 10 | 7:30 PM | $25
TOKOPHOBIA is an interview-based play exploring choice, disparities in the U.S. healthcare system, and our culturally created fear of pregnancy and birth. The show is based on a series of verbatim interviews with mothers, birth partners, and medical professionals, and gives voice to birthing people and their experiences in a way that is imperative - yet rarely discussed - in our current cultural climate
Jenny Bokoch Gillett is a performer, producer, documentary theater maker, and practicing full-spectrum doula.
Saturday is Babes-in-Arms Night! On Saturday, we will host a special family-friendly performance of TOKOPHOBIA. Grown-ups are welcome to bring babes in arms (under the age of 1) to the Saturday show. We will provide resources for diaper changing, breast/bottle feeding, and pumping. We look forward to welcoming you and your little one(s)!
Content Advisory: This play includes depictions of medical violence.
Playwright’s Note:
Back in 2017, I embarked upon a journey to become a doula, which led me to hear several mixed things about the way our culture addresses the birth process. Largely due to this experience, and to my own path to pregnancy and parenthood, I have created TOKOPHOBIA, an interview-based theatre piece exploring the culture of birth in America.
I have spent several years connecting with mothers, birth partners, doulas, and medical professionals to discuss their experiences, and have collected dozens of recorded interviews in the process. Each selection featured in TOKOPHOBIA highlights an important part of the birth cycle, and illuminates conversations that our culture often shies away from discussing.
TOKOPHOBIA gives voice to women and their sometimes shocking experiences with the system in a way that is imperative - yet rarely discussed - in our current cultural climate.
Cast & Creative Team
Written by Jenny Bokoch Gillett
Directed by Ashley Thaxton-Stevenson
Performed by Anvita Gattani, Christian Lacey, Eva Kantor, Jenny Bokoch Gillett, Marissa Ontiveros, and Maya Carter
Stage Managed by Morgan Stevenson
Puppets by Katrina Miyuki Roen
Sound Design by Julie Hill
Lighting Design by Josephine Wang
Music Performed by Aperture Duo
The Center at West Park’s Evolution Festival and presentation of TOKOPHOBIA is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES
As of June 1, we are no longer requiring proof of vaccination for artists or audiences. As of July 1, masking is optional and encouraged at CWP performances and events. Click here to read our full Safety Guidelines.