Synopsis Widow Agnes Moulsworth, a respected Elizabethan midwife, and her high-spirited daughter Margery return from a successful delivery to interview a prospective apprentice, Jane Cobbe. The pious Mistress Cobbe boasts that her natural instincts, her calling from God, and her own four healthy births qualify her to be a midwife, despite her lack of training. Mistress Moulsworth wishes to test this bold claim and Margery enthusiastically volunteers to pretend to be in labor. Stealing the hat off of Mistress Cobbe’s head, young Margery thrusts it under her skirt and whole- heartedly reenacts an arduous birth. Under Mistress Moulsworth’s watchful eye and shrewd guidance, Mistress Cobbe delivers the hat and learns that she still has much to learn. This comedic period piece illuminates the peculiar practices of Renaissance childbirth, while celebrating the bond of women rising above their oppression in this sacred exclusively female arena, the Elizabethan birthing chamber.

Erin O'Flaherty and Aimee Gestro in Great-Bellied Women at Don't Blink Theatre Company in Auckland, New Zealand. Directed by Andrew Parker. Produced by Grace Shelley. Photographer: Joyce Hipolito of Vogoë Photography.

Running Time: 30 minutes Set: drawing room (interior unit) Cast: 3 F Great-Bellied Women was commissioned by the Women Playwrights’ Initiative.