First Trimester
Krishna and Logan want to have a child. But for that they need a sperm donor. On sperm bank websites, you can filter by donor quality, but the categories of height, hair colour, eye colour and school-leaving qualification aren’t all that interesting to two of them. They are much more interested in future donor’s attitudes and views. During this three-hour durational performance, Krishna interviews eleven willing donors live on stage each evening and selects the ideal person from around the world. The audience can stay and binge-watch for as long as they like.
Audience members are invited to watch as the interviews unfold, but are also welcome to sign-up as a participant as a prospective donor. We welcome participants aged 18 to 60+ from all backgrounds. Each interview is pivotal in helping Krishna get closer to finding the right donor. First Trimester explores human connection and parenthood, challenging expectations and redefining what it means to create a family as a transgender person. Krishna asks questions that range from funny to serious to philosophical perspectives in order to make the ultimate connection:
«Did you grow up with pets?»
«Where do you store your memories?»
«What do you value more, kindness or intelligence?»
And, most importantly for Krishna, «Have you watched The Princess Diaries?»
This performance offers the opportunity to contribute to and witness queer family-making.
If you would like to sign up to participate, please visit our website: https://firsttrimester.co.uk/
Krishna Istha is a London-based performance artist, screenwriter, comedian and theatre maker. They create socially conscious form-pushing works about taboo or underrepresented experiences of gender, race and sexual politics. Most recently, they wrote on Netflix’s «Sex Education», and was one of the comedians featured on the Netflix Special Hannah Gadsby's Gender Agenda».
Easy Read
Krishna and Logan want to have a child. But they can only do so with a sperm donor. In this show, they interview lots of people who potentially might be the one.
Easy Read
Krishna and Logan want to have a child. But they can only do so with a sperm donor. In this show, they interview lots of people who potentially might be the one.
Sign Language Interpretation
The performance on May 11th will be translated into Swiss German Sign Language (DSGS). The interpreter will be present during the first hour of the performance (18.00-19.00). Places with good visibility to the interpreter are marked.
Interpreters: Tanja Joseph, Monika Beyeler
For people with mobility disabilities
Schlachthaus Theater is accessible barrier-free and has a barrier-free toilet. In the hall of the Schlachthaus Theater, there are ground-level wheelchair spaces.
Relaxed Performance
This is a Relaxed Performance.
Freedom of movement and audience noises are explicitly welcome. You are welcome to take breaks at any time, leave the theatre hall, and return when you’re ready.
Alternative seating (seats, cushions, etc.) is available. Beanbags are available in the front row for you to sit on. You can sit, lie down, or change seats during the performance. Babies and children are welcome.
Please note that Relaxed Performances focus on adapting the theatre environment, not the content of the performance. Check the content notes and sensory trigger warnings for further details.
Content notes
This production deals with queer parenthood, identity, abortion and misogyny challenging traditional expectations and redefining what it means to create a family, but also a lot of lighter and humorous topics. Participant & audience care has been central to the development of the show.
This production features live interviews. The participants taking part in the live conversations have not rehearsed before coming on stage and do not know what the questions are before taking part. We therefore can not know exactly what will be said in advance.
There is no audience participation unless you have already signed up to take part.
Please note, due to the format of the show, there may be a small wait of no more than 10 minutes to enter the space if you arrive after the start time.
Sensory Triggers
Loud noises and sounds
Special Check-In
We offer a special check-in option. If for any reason you'd like to avoid the crowded foyer, require a specific seat, assistance due to a mobility impairment, or would like to be picked up at the bus stop, please contact us in advance. A member of our team will accompany you according to your needs. Register: checkin@auawirleben.ch
Access Friend
At the Schlachthaus Theater, Access Friends welcome audiences and are available before, during, and after performances. These people are identified and wear purple vests. Questions about accessibility can be directed to the Access Friends.
- Lead Artist
- Krishna Istha
- Set & Costume Design
- Ting Huan Urquhart
- Lighting Design
- Martha Godfrey
- Composer & Sound Design
- Olive Mondegreen
- Dramaturg
- Paula Varjack
- Producer
- Ruby Glaskin
- Production Manager
- Helen Mugridge
- Camera Person
- Ruby Parker-Harbourd
- Sound / Floor Manager
- Florian Lim
- Wellbeing Officer
- Sabah Choudrey
- Participant Recruitment and care Officer Bern
- Tejus Menon