— s t e f a n i a

WOMB PARTY

Fanny and Gina, your Womb Hosts with the most, invite you to a WOMB PARTY. Expect dance, games, interruptions and real-life stories in a vibrant celebration of bodily autonomy and the power of choice. Every-body welcome!

Re-enter the womb and go on a journey with Fanny and Gina as they try, fail, and try again, to host a party of fun and games. A vibrant celebration of their most magical abode that keeps getting interrupted by unwanted thoughts and uninvited guests.

Layered with dance, theatrics and real life stories from outside of the womb, this interactive dance theatre show explores themes of choice, bodily autonomy and reproductive justice. Expect WOMB PARTY to be a very special occasion that reminds us all of our power to choose.

Premiered in APRIL 2025 at The Place, London

Photos: Elly Welford

Film & Edit: YDT Studios

THE WORK

Stefania & Amarnah’s WOMB PARTY is a dance theatre piece that explores and expresses both of their experiences in and around abortion. The work aims to be a starting point for a considered yet candid conversation about how people experience abortion, to help destigmatize the topic and advocate for a future with stigma-free reproductive autonomy.

At the heart of WOMB PARTY lies a unique concept: a lively gathering taking place within a womb, where every-body is welcome. Fanny and Gina, the consciousness of the womb, are hosting an immersive event filled with refreshments, games, and dance. However, the narrative unfolds as unexpected guests arrive, prompting pivotal choices and reflections.

The aspiration for this piece is to be both informative and nurturing, contributing to the ongoing conversations about reproductive rights, equality, and healthcare. Additionally, it aims to celebrate choice and empower individuals who have felt silenced, shamed, or stigmatized.

WHY WE MADE IT?

The seed of this project was planted in 2017, during our first conversation about our abortion experiences, where we realised two vital things: the privilege we hold in accessing free abortion healthcare based solely on our geographical location, and the profound healing and sense of solidarity we experienced by openly discussing our journeys with each other.

Moreover, this conversation revealed a stark truth: countless individuals lack the opportunity to openly share their abortion experiences. Many navigate this profoundly personal choice in secrecy, burdened by the weight of stigma and the fear of judgement. Over the span of several years, characterised by introspection and self-reflection, we gradually felt equipped and prepared to extend our support to others. Once we arrived at this juncture, a resolute decision emerged—a firm commitment to take action and provide assistance to those facing similar situations through our art.

Throughout the research & development, and creation phases of WOMB PARTY, we had the time and support to explore diverse personal experiences with abortion, historical contexts, and the complex politics of reproductive healthcare. This process has given us an even deeper understanding of the urgency, relevance, and significance of our work.

Crucially, our visible support for reproductive choice during the creation process has already begun to open up dialogues and challenge the prevailing culture of silence. Friends, family, and colleagues in the dance industry have reached out, sharing their own past abortion experiences and seeking guidance for their current procedures.

This made us realise how much more information was needed to be shared amongst the dance and performance industry in regards to abortion and returning back to work. So we decided to compile a resource with the help of One Dance Uk and Doctors for Choice Uk: Navigating Abortion and Returning to Physical Activity a guide designed specifically for dancers and movement practitioners, to help navigate the process of abortion/pregnancy endings and understand how to safely return to physical activity.

We also recommend DIY Doula – Self-care for before, during and after your abortion.

Our aspiration for this piece is to be both informative and nurturing, contributing to the ongoing conversations about reproductive rights, equality, and healthcare. Additionally, we aim to CELEBRATE CHOICE and empower individuals who have felt silenced, shamed, or stigmatized.

We strongly believe in the transformative power of this dance work and eagerly anticipate its premiere and subsequent tour.

PROJECT PARTNERS

Abortion Right Uk – Abortion Rights is the national pro-choice campaign. They are campaigning to defend and extend women’s rights and access to safe, legal abortion. They oppose any attack on the 1967 Abortion Act including any attempt to lower the abortion time limit.
Abortion Talk – Pro-choice, pro-voice. They are a UK charity working to destigmatise abortions one conversation at a time through our UK talkline and workshops.
Ad’iyah – Muslim Abortion Collective – Providing love, dua and support for Muslim folk during their abortion journeys. Dua is a fundamental part of being Muslim.
Bpas (British Pregnancy Advisory Service) – The UK’s leading abortion care service, we campaign for women’s reproductive choices.
Doctors for Choice UK – Doctors for Choice UK are a group of healthcare professionals and students who campaign for abortion rights.
Shout Your Abortion – a movement working to normalise abortion through art, media, and community events.
Women on Web – a global nonprofit organisation which provides help and information on safe abortion in all countries were abortion is illegal or hard to access.