BOLD Locations

Seattle, Washington

More than 900 people attended one of our many performances of Birth or a BOLD Red Tent around Puget Sound! We had some great exposure through the press and on the radio: 

• An article in Seattle's Child in July
• PI columnist Paul Nyhan's blog on 8/3
• An article in the North Seattle Herald Outlook 8/22
• A feature article on the Brown Paper Tickets web site--as many BOLD organizers throughout the country used this Seattle company to sell their tickets
• An article in the Northwest Baby & Child September issue
• A live interview on KSER, Everett alternative radio
• The Theater Arts Feature in the Everett Herald 9/14
• A big half-page article on the front of the entertainment section of the Vashon Beachcomber 9/19
• Front page coverage in the Vashon Loop 9/21
• A huge feature article in the Tacoma News Tribune 9/28

We definitely got people talking, and we heard at least two stories of pregnant women who came to see the play and, as a result, decided to attempt a VBAC rather than undergo the repeat c/section each had planned. A number of our actors were approached by people on the street or at social gatherings, recognizing them as a member of the Birth cast and telling them how much they enjoyed the show! We got some momentum going, and we hope to bring Birth to more audiences in the future (we are talking to one middle school teacher and a Seattle alternative High School who are interested in bringing Birth to their schools).

One of the most exciting aspects of Puget Sound BOLD was the community support. Seattle author and childbirth guru, Penny Simkin sparkled in the role of Amanda for our Gala Opening Night at Edmonds. What a thrill for everyone! Penny wrote to members of the production the next day,

"My routine seems a little mundane after the past couple of weeks and especially, after last night. What a thrill! Thanks to you for giving me a taste of the "acting life," but mostly for your kindness and support to me and your moving performances last night. I deeply appreciate that all of you are helping to open the eyes of the public to the fact that the birth day is not "just another day in a woman's life." How a woman gives birth matters -- deeply and permanently -- to her, her child and to her family. She remembers the experience for all her life -- not only what happened, but also how she felt and how she was cared for. You illustrate that perfectly as you enact the stories. Your efforts will help your audiences make choices that will provide them with the care that they want and deserve, and that will result in more fulfilling memories of their births."

I'd also like to acknowledge all the individuals from the birth community who participated in our talk backs. This list included midwives, doulas, naturopaths, nurses, childbirth educators and a therapist specializing in postpartum care.

And of course it goes without saying that BOLD wouldn't have been the resounding success that it was without the exceptional actors who held it all together.

I am also thankful to have had a small but dedicated group of volunteers who helped me take care of ticket sales and theater details. And thanks to Walter Zamojski for spending many hours capturing video footage during rehearsals and performances.

Thanks to all the people who attended our performances and BOLD Red Tents… for believing that BIRTH MATTERS!

Lynn Hughes was the BOLD Organizer for BOLD Seattle. To visit BOLD Seattle’s website click here . BOLD Seattle’s performances raised money for Open Arms Perinatal Services, Puget Sound Neighborhood Health Centers, Seattle Midwifery School, Tibetan Healing Fund, and Pregnant in Puget Sound. For more information about the proceeds, click here.