‘Let Down’ interweaves movement, real life accounts and an original soundscape to give voice to women’s experiences of nourishing tiny humans. Northern Ireland has the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, and breastfeeding successes and failures can be difficult to talk about. Building on interview material and online forum discussions of both breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women, ‘Let Down’ explores questions of the quantified self, failure, and online ‘sharing’ in the context of infant feeding.

The performance is part of a practice-based research project on dance and the maternal supported by Queen’s University Belfast. Incorporating the latest findings of social science research on breastfeeding, ‘Let Down’ aims to approach an emotive topic in ways that communicate untold stories of maternal experiences.

Research, Choreography, Performance: Aoife McGrath, Queen’s University Belfast
Performance: Paula O’Reilly
Soundscape Composition: Sorca McGrath, Ships
Dramaturgy: Emily Dedakis, Accidental Theatre Belfast
Lighting Design: David Willis
Research: Jennifer Hanratty, Queen’s University Belfast
Transcripts: Maria Herron, Ulster University
Technical Management: Ross McDade