Birth and After Birth
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Birth and After Birth is an absurdist play written by Tina Howe. It was written in 1972 but it was not produced off-Broadway until 2006.[1] Before this, it had its world premiere at the Wilma Theatre in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1995.[2] Howe's play was originally met with backlash and she was quoted saying "The absurdists can shake up our preconceptions about power and identity but for a woman to take on the sanctity of motherhood, even my agent at the time dismissed me.” Its first off-Broadway performance was with the Atlantic Theatre Company and it was directed by Christian Parker.[3] Howe has been compared to many of the great absurdist writers of the 20th century due to her loose structure and nonsense plot.
Act One: The play opens and it is a child's birthday. Two parents, Sandy Apple and Bill Apple have spent all night preparing decorations and wrapping the gifts when their child, Nicky, comes downstairs far too early. He does not listen to his parents' wishes that he goes back upstairs but rather has a tantrum and goes straight to the gifts. Sandy tries to get Nicky to read his cards before opening his gifts but he refuses to listen or acknowledge his mother at all. During this incident the Bill continuously films the son and tries to get him to play along and be in his movie. During the continuous argument with their child, Bill and Sandy discuss the upcoming party that night and their two guests, Mia Freed and Jeffery Freed. Sandy is continuously bringing up the topic of parenthood and is confused as to how Mia and Jeffery do not want parenthood.[4]
Act Two: [2] Act two opens with Sandy, Bill, and Nicky playing a game around a table. Sandy and Bill are still discussing the Freed's lack of children and how disturbing it is. As the Freed's arrive Sandy and Bill's mood instantly changes and they are excited to see their new friends. During the process of the party Nicky continues to have meltdowns and all of the Freed's accomplishments are introduced to the audience. Despite their work accomplishments and knowing seventeen languages, the Apples keep going back to their lack of children. Saying even though they have traveled the world, done amazing things, their life essentially has no meaning due to their lack of children. The play ends with Nicky wishing for siblings for his birthday, but it is revealed that Sandy is now barren and cannot have anymore children. Both her and Bill are distraught by this and continue to try. Mia and Jeffery Freed leave for the night and the Apple Family continues their birthday celebration.