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First Trimester
Tue 24 Oct 2023
Image description: A photo of Krishna Istha smiling into camera (brown, trans masc person with shoulder-length black hair) wearing a mint green jacket, mesh top, silver carabiner on a chain, black kilt, black & white cow print boots, kneels on one knee with their chin resting on their hand.
Embark on a journey with Marlborough Productions commissioned performance artist Krishna Istha as they search for the ‘perfect’ sperm donor.
This groundbreaking performance offers a rare opportunity to contribute to and witness queer family-making. The show will explore human connection and parenthood, and challenge expectations, redefining what it means to create a family as a transgender person.
In the World Premiere of this one-of-a-kind durational experience, First Trimester invites you to witness intimate live interviews between Krishna and 100s of participants over two weeks, in a quest to find them and their partner a sperm donor, or at least discover the qualities that bring them closer to their perfect match.
Krishna asks questions that range from funny to serious, from matter-of-fact information to philosophical perspectives in order to make the ultimate connection.
Audience members are invited to watch as the interviews unfold, but are also welcome to sign-up as a participant and prospective donor, regardless of their ability to donate sperm. We welcome participants aged 18 to 60+ from all backgrounds. Each interview is pivotal in helping Krishna inch closer to finding the right donor.
This is a durational performance. For weekday performances you can choose to stay for the full 3 hours. For Saturday performances you can either buy a ticket for the full 8 hours (plus a 1 hour break) or for 2 hour slots. You are welcome to come and go as you please with the slot you have selected.
A triptych of photographs of Krishna Istha by Jordan Rossi: In the first, Krishna smiles into camera (brown, trans masc person with shoulder-length black hair) wearing a mint green jacket, mesh top, silver carabiner on a chain, black kilt, black & white cow print boots, kneels on one knee with their chin resting on their hand. The second shows Krishna’s hand holding a clear container with an orange lid and a label marked ‘Sperm’ in red handwriting between their thumb and forefinger. On their forefinger is a silver ring and they are wearing red nail polish. Their mint green jacket sleeve is visible. The third photo shows Krishna in the same outfit, smiling and pointing to camera, straight on.
Interested in being a participant? Register here.
First Trimester
Wed-Fri – Pay What You Can (Recommended Price £12)*
Sat – 8 Hour Tickets – Pay What You Can (Recommended Price £26)*
Sat – 2 Hour Tickets – Pay What You Can (Recommended Price £10)*
*all orders will be subject to a transaction fee of £2.
1st – 11th November 2023
Running Times:
Wed-Fri – 3 Hours
Sat – 9 Hours (Including 1 hour break)
Age Recommendation: 18+
Battersea Arts Centre Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5TN
Book now >
Commissioned by Roundhouse, Battersea Arts Centre and Marlborough Productions.
Supported by Arts Council England.
Access
PRE EVENT INFORMATION
This event takes place in person in the Battersea Arts Centre Council Chamber. This space is on the first floor, with step-free access via a lift.
If you have booked a ticket you will receive an email from us before your performance detailing important information about your visit.
PERSONAL ASSISTANT/COMPANION TICKETS
If you require the assistance of a friend or helper to attend, we can make a free ticket available for your companion. You can book access companion tickets online or contact the Box Office to book by emailing [email protected].
To book a free access companion online:
- log in to your account here
- go to ‘Other preferences’ and tick ‘I require a personal assistant/companion’.
- Choose the performance, date and seats you would like and if you add at least 2 tickets to your basket, then one of these will automatically become free.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
BSL interpreted performance: 2 November, interpreted by Ali Gordon & 11 November, interpreter to be announced.
Touch tour: 11 November, 11:30am and 4:30pm – Book your free ticket here
Audio described performance: 11 November, audio description guides will be made available for audiences. Interpreted by Adedamola Bajomo and Laura Edmonds.
An audio description of the stage and Krishna will be available via a QR code for every performance.
Content
- There will likely be moments of loud music and sounds
All performances will be Relaxed. We invite you to make yourself comfortable and move around if you need to and if you need to leave the performance at any point you will be allowed to return to the space when you feel ready.
Participant & audience care has been central to the development of the show and there will be a wellbeing practitioner on site at every performance.