
axes
herbs
and
satchels
Rooted in the history and embodied wisdom of doulas and midwives, axes, herbs and satchels is a celebration of traditional knowledge held in the Black birth worker community and a potent examination of maternal mortality.
The United States has a maternal mortality rate that is three times higher than any other high-income country. Black and Indigenous birthing people are particularly at risk, with death rates up to three times more likely than their White counterparts. Modern medicine may be at our fingertips, but did it come at the cost of losing the ancient practices of Doulas and Midwives?
The play will be devised from an array of research materials; first hand accounts, medical textbooks, ethnological research, and primary sources documenting granny midwives and the history of midwifery.
Co-Directors: Sandie Luna and Melissa Moschitto
Assistant Director: Jayda Jones
Lead Deviser: Jalissa Fulton
Ensemble: Jalissa Fulton, Miranda Hall-Jiménez, Asha John, Jayda Jones, Sandie Luna and Devyn Wray
Contributing Writers: Devyn Wray, Melissa Moschitto, Sandie Luna
Producer: Mariah Freda
Assistant Producer: Miranda Hall-Jiménez
Stage Manager: Mars Juno Bartolome Neri
Anthropologist-in-Residence: Dr. Haile Eshe Cole
axes
herbs
and
satchels
MEET
THE
TEAM

Melissa Moschitto
Co-Director

Dr. Haile Eshe Cole
Anthropologist-in-residence

Asha John
Actor

Sandie Luna
Co-Director

Mariah Freda
Producer

Mars Neri
Stage Manager

Jalissa Fulton
Actor and Lead Deviser
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Miranda Hall Jiménez
Asst. Producer and Actor

Jayda Jones
Actor and Asst. Director

Devyn Wray
Actor and Contributing Writer


axes, herbs and satchels and NEWS!
- American Theatre Magazine, March 15, 2023
"The investigative theatre troupe will work with anthropologist Dr. Haile Eshe Cole to create a play about doulas and Black motherhood."
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
