Seen at Edinburgh Festival Fringe on the 18^th of August 2023

4 stars – beautifully crafted storytelling

A teenage girl and her best friend dream of getting pregnant together and having kids at the same time. But when Raven does get pregnant, she feels that her life is too unstable and that she might not be ready yet.

In her autobiographical show directed by Jael Weisman, Joyful Raven relates her experience connected to the themes of maternity and abortion. Part stand-up comedy, part a ‘tragicomedy’, with a short parenthesis of education on the shape and medical history of the clitoris, her prose builds a beautifully crafted, highly engaging story.

Sometimes, the hilarity is suspended and leaves space for reflection, namely when the performer/protagonist has to make decisions on abortion. In these moments, laughter gives place to a bitter smile, or even tears. The performer takes the audience by the hand in the tormented and sorrowful parts. Her voice is always ready for humour and irony, and it is at the same time honest and kind.

Thanks to her expertise in storytelling, as well as the fun and the sweetness in the performance, Joyful Raven leads the audience to consider the social pressure that is put on a woman, but also to experience with her that there are many ways of being a mother.

Tickets and Info: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/breed-or-bust

Company Website: https://www.joyful-raven.com/breedorbust

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfulraven/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RavenJoyful

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyful.raven