Bedlam Theatre

On Sunday, September 6, performers from a variety of backgrounds will come together to help raise money and awareness for Isis Rising. Isis Rising is a project of the non-profit organization Everyday Miracles, which provides doulas to low-income and high risk mothers in the Twin Cities area. This fall, Everyday Miracles will be launching their Imprisoned Women’s Doula Project, Isis Rising, Isis Rising will provide comprehensive pre-natal education and doula accompaniment for pregnant women who are incarcerated at the Shakopee women’s prison. (A doula is a professional childbirth assistant)Currently, women give birth with no support people present, a prison guard present, and shackled to their hospital beds. Although shackling women during labor is standard procedure in 23 states, including Minnesota, it has been termed a violation of human rights by Amnesty International and other human rights organization through out the United States. Mothers are separated from their babies 2-3 days post-partum, and are not allowed to pump their breast milk. Many times these babies are lost to their mothers, as there is not enough family support to allow mothers to visit with their babies, or continue to have a relationship with them.

Doulas involved in Isis Rising are working to create a humane birthing experience for the women they are working with. Participants in this program will attend pre-natal classes, have bi-monthly meetings with their doulas, be accompanied through out the entire birth process, and receive post-partum visits from their doulas. Mothers will also be counseled on the grief of being separated from a child, as well as on bonding with your children even when you are separated.

To support these efforts, local artists will be holding a cabaret to raise money and awareness. The event will be opened by the KetzalCoatlicue Aztec Dancers, and will include local spoken word artists Desdamona, Rush Merchant, and Ellen Hinchecliffe. Musicians will include Mankwe Ndosi, Alicia Steele, and the Flamenco Dance group Las Zapatistas. DJ Boomchick will end the night by spinning records for a dance party to celebrate this work! Hosted by the Bedlam Theatre, 1501 S. 6th St, Mpls. Suggested donation $10-$15. Sunday Septemeber 6, 6:30 pm. Please join us, and feel free to enquire for more information about Isis Rising.

For more information: megdoula AT yahoo DOT com

Contact: 612.251.1746