University of Hertfordshire and Clean Break, together with UH Arts + Culture, are delighted to present the debut performance of Scenes from Lost Mothers – an original, emotive and thought-provoking production shining a light on the real-life experiences of pregnant women and mothers in prison.

To mark the play’s opening night, the performance will be followed by an exclusive panel discussion on the complex issues raised within the play with those behind its production and research.

The panel of speakers features:

  • Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, playwright of Scenes from Lost Mothers
  • Anna Herrmann, director of Scenes from Lost Mothers
  • Dr. Laura Abbott, lead researcher for The Lost Mothers Project
  • Policy and Influencing Manager for Birth Companions, Katherine Miller Brunto

About Scenes from Lost Mothers

Scenes from Lost Mothers is an original play written by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, created in collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire and Clean Break theatre company. The play amplifies the voices of women who have navigated the criminal justice system as new or soon-to-be mothers. It is based on research from The Lost Mothers Project, led by Dr. Laura Abbott at the University of Hertfordshire, which explores the impact of separating incarcerated mothers from their newborns.

About Clean Break

Clean Break is a theatre company that works with women actors with experience of the criminal justice system, or at risk of entering. Their Scenes from Lost Mothers performance focuses on the challenges faced by pregnant or new mothers in prison, addressing issues like healthcare, living conditions, mental health, and the impact of professional decisions on both mothers and their children.

By centring these women's experiences, Scenes from Lost Mothers highlights the profound emotional toll of separation, while calling for change, compassion, and greater awareness of the struggles faced by these women and their children.

About the Lost Mothers Project

The Lost Mothers Project, led by Dr. Laura Abbott at the University of Hertfordshire, in partnership with Birth Companions, explores decisions regarding the separation of imprisoned mothers from their newborns. The research involves interviews with women in five prisons, as well as prison officers, midwives, social workers, and health visitors, along with observations of mother and baby decision-making boards. The project is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.

Please note: due to the sensitive content of this production, ticketholders must be 18 years or older. This will also be a sober event. We look forward to welcoming you to this special debut performance!

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