Lagos Fringe Festival has joined forces with CNN’s As Equals project to present “M/OTHER,” an innovative theatrical production addressing maternal mental health challenges.
The play, scheduled for November 21 and 22:at Freedom Park, Lagos, represents a unique collaboration between Nigeria’s QDance Company and Dutch theatre maker Katy Streek.
According to a statement, the production aims to tackle a startling statistic: one in five women globally experiences mental health issues related to childbirth. Despite this prevalence, the subject remains largely taboo in many societies, leading to isolation and inadequate support for affected mothers.
“M/OTHER” marks a significant milestone in cross-cultural artistic collaboration, bringing together CNN’s journalistic expertise with the creative vision of Nigerian and Dutch artistes. The partnership emerged through Lagos Fringe, curated by Pawstudios Africa, which has established itself as a crucial platform for international artistic exchange in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
“This collaboration exemplifies how journalism and performing arts can work together to address critical social issues,” says a spokesperson for CNN’s As Equals project, known for its comprehensive coverage of gender inequality and health matters. The production translates investigative journalism into powerful theatrical expression, making complex social issues more accessible to diverse audiences.
The timing of this production is particularly significant as global awareness of maternal mental health issues continues to grow. Through dance and theatrical performance, “M/OTHER” aims to break the silence surrounding postpartum mental health challenges, which affect women across all social and economic backgrounds.
The production represents a broader trend in contemporary theatre, where artistic expression meets social advocacy. By combining CNN’s journalistic research with powerful theatrical elements, “M/OTHER” creates a unique platform for dialogue about maternal mental health stigma.
As Lagos Fringe Festival continues to expand its international partnerships, this collaboration with CNN As Equals demonstrates the festival’s commitment to presenting works that not only entertain but also address pressing social issues. The festival, which features additional performances from around the world, invites audiences to witness how international collaboration can transform journalism into compelling theatrical experiences.
For those interested in attending Lagos Fringe, register via the festival’s website.
With additional performances from across the world, Lagos Fringe offers audiences multiple opportunities to witness the power of international collaboration, as journalism, dance, theatre and more converge to spark awareness.
