Transformation takes time

Ripening follows Michelle in the latter part of her pregnancy as she starts to prepare for what she believes will be a spiritually empowering experience of giving birth. However, when an unusually extended, sporadic pre-labour occurs, her plans are threatened by a hospital system where time is tightly managed, and babies have deadlines. Michelle must face her ultimate fear of losing complete control over her body before she initiates the great transition into becoming the mother she wants to become, and finally meeting her baby in a way that is miraculous, transformative and ineffable.

Babes in arms welcome.

“An experience audience members won’t easily forget” – The Beat for Mara KORPER

“A talented, emotionally honest dive into a tragic human situation” – The Age for When The Light Leaves

“Crushingly brilliant” – We Know Melbourne for When The Light Leaves

Content Warnings: Birth trauma

Written by Jayde Kirchert

Directed by Melanie Hillman

Performed by Veronica Thomas, Emily Carr, Ana Mitsikas and Susanna Qian

Image by Charles Deluvio


Access Information:

Visual rating 50%: Events are partly subtitled or include dialogue, background music and/or sounds, so d/Deaf and hard of hearing audiences can have some engagement with the event.

Aural Rating 50%: Has both sound and visual components, but sight isn’t essential to be able to engage with the event.