In the innovative performance of ‘Baby’ at the New Theatre in Dublin, Camilla, the only character the audience encounters, carries out an incredibly vulnerable 60-minute monologue. Her internal conflict, centred on the perceived failure of her body, is something that many singles longing for a child can resonate with.
As the performance commences, the stage is already set with a table holding cake ingredients – eggs, flour, and vanilla paste. It soon becomes apparent that Camilla is baking for her friend’s fifth baby shower, a gathering that clearly irritates and provokes her. Camilla’s tempestuous emotions – anger, sorrow, and contempt – are beautifully portrayed by Lianne O’Hara.
Aged 36, Camilla underscores the despair that burdens many women. Eaten up by her longing for a child, she deceives herself into believing she’s pregnant – cradling her stomach, availing of priority seating in public transport – all whilst balancing visits to fertility clinics and social events where her friends suddenly abstain from alcohol.
Camilla remains resilient in the face of unnecessary advice, epitomised by a particular instance when a motherly friend moans about sleep-deprivation, condescendingly reminded her that she wouldn’t understand. The overwhelming urge to have her own child simply refuses to let her renounce her quest.
‘Baby’ offers an outstandingly candid portrayal of a woman wrestling with fertility problems and frequently leans into dark humour. This might be a defence technique for Camilla, but it often clashes with the sombre tones of the play. Nevertheless, the play excellently navigates emotions that one would typically stifle.
Despite the potential difficulty for viewers who have had their own aspirations faulted by fertility complications to watch this play, it’s an important piece for everyone to experience.
The play is part of the Dublin Fringe Festival and continues its run at the New Theatre until 21st of September.