Niplash is a dance theatre solo, part memoir, part critical analysis by award winning choreographer and performer Karla Shacklock and developed with the support of Complicité. The show explores the cultural pressures and mixed messaging around infant feeding* that leaves many new mothers feeling like they are failing. Karla shares her experience of breastfeeding three children and weaves into the show stories and feeding paraphernalia donated by mothers across the country. Niplash is filled with love, heartbreak and absurdity. Expect to see milk.
*Infant Feeding - Niplash is a show that explores how we feed our children, this includes breast, chest and formula milk feeding. The show does not place one form of feeding above another and seeks to acknowledge the myriad of experiences and complex journeys.
Content Warning:
Niplash contains partial nudity and themes of infant feeding experiences.
Post Show Discussion:
Following the sharing there will be an informal and warmly facilitated post-show activity hosted by Lizzy Humber (M/Others on the Mic).
Reviews:
“Powerful, playful, courageous, raw [...] Important stories - that need to be told.” Chris Fogg – writer
“Totally radical and brilliant to be blowing this topic wide open.” Audience Member
“Groundbreaking, important, seminal work.” Audience Member
“Stunning. Raw. Powerful. Heartwarming. Hilarious. BRAVE! Niplash is an ode to us all. A work of collective healing, for all the mothers.” Lactation Consultant
Fundraising event:
Niplash is still evolving. This special event is also a fundraiser to support Karla to continue making the show, to take it on tour and take over venues with an activist (or lactivist) occupation. Imagine a venue filled with art making, dance parties and vital conversations that support social and political change to how families are supported in their feeding journeys. Imagine a huge Lactavist Flag that will fly proudly at each venue. If you believe this work is urgent and important, we would love to invite you to support Niplash. Please add your donation to your ticket. NB. The ticket price supports the cost of the performance only.
Daylight Sessions are parent-accessible events:
Attending an evening performance when you have children can be a challenge. Daylight Sessions are relaxed matinees but where children are welcome too or at a time that better suits caring responsibilities. We expect babies and toddlers to make some noise and understand you may need to come/go to change a nappy or a walk about. On arrival you will be supported to park your buggy and find an emergency cup of tea or something stronger from the café bar. We encourage you to arrive a bit early to meet other sleep-deprived parents, we’re all in it together. Daylight Sessions shows have reduced amplification and dimmed lights. You are free to move about during the performance, come and go as you need. There are mats and toys for the children to play and a baby change. Please feel empowered to breast, chest or bottle-feed. We can also provide hot water behind the bar if you need to warm bottles. Please note the show contains partial and non-sexualised nudity.
Schedule:
1pm - Space to grab a cuppa from the cafe
1.30-2.30pm Niplash
2.30-3pm Post Show Discussion
Supported by:
Exeter Northcott and The National Lottery Community Fund as part of M/Others on the Mic’s Creativity and Parenthood project
Donate Feeding Equipment:
If you have any unwanted feeding equipment - bottles, pumps, teats, pads, bras etc. that you would like to add to the tapestry of Niplash, then please do bring them along – they may get used directly in a future performance or make up parts of a huge Lactivist flag we will be making next year.
