CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP AROUND FERTILITY AND INFERTILITY

Whether we wanted to be mothers or not,
Whether family and society pressured us to have children or not,
Losing a pregnancy at any stage – or not being able to get pregnant – can be extremely painful.
Some of us have undergone gruelling fertility treatments that impacted years of our lives.
Some of us are in a panic about our ticking biological clocks.
Some of us would rather forget.
Some of us might find it hard to be around friends who are pregnant or have little kids.
Some of us might feel isolated.
We don’t talk about it much.
We don’t want to make people uncomfortable.
We might feel ashamed.

In this half-day creative writing workshop led by theatre-maker and musician Avital Raz, we’ll create the safest space we can for people who have gone through issues with their fertility. We’ll explore the possibility of using our difficulties in 'creating life' as creative material. We’ll get our thoughts down on paper, and share them with each other – if we want to. If you’ve had a miscarriage, stillbirth, or difficulty getting pregnant and would like to approach these issues creatively you are very welcome to join us.

WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?
This workshop is for women who have had a miscarriage, still birth, or difficulty getting pregnant. You don’t need to have any creative writing experience to take part in this workshop. As long as you’re interested in the idea of using creative writing as a way to think about your experiences, this workshop is for you. You won’t have to share any writing if you don’t want to, and your writing won’t be used in any way after the workshop, unless you would like it to be.

WHO IS LEADING THE WORKSHOP?
Avital Raz is a theatre-maker and musician. Avital has had 3 miscarriages and has spent the last 5 years dealing with endless other issues with her fertility. She is currently developing a solo show around these issues and will be leading this workshop. Avital says “Miscarriage and infertility are such taboo subjects. My hope is that this workshop and my show will provide some solace to women/people/couples who often feel isolated and even ashamed to discuss what they’ve been going through. The only art I know how to make uses my pain as inspiration. It’s also the only way I know how to get through the shitty parts of life.“
http://www.avitalraz.com

DATE
Sunday 30 Jan, 11am – 2.30pm (including a vegan lunch, provided)

COST
We invite you to make a 'pay what you decide' contribution towards the workshop costs, after you have experienced the workshop. This can be a cash or bank transfer contribution. You can also attend the workshop for free.

LOCATION
The workshop will take place at the Tara Centre, The Storey, Castle Park, Lancaster LA1 1TH. The Tara Centre is a healing sanctuary in the heart of Lancaster. It is located at the back of the Storey (opposite the gates of Lancaster Castle). It is one minute's walk from the train station and in the historic part of town. The Tara Centre is a shoe-free space so please do bring slippers or warm socks for your own comfort. 

www.taracentrelancaster.org.uk

COVID SAFETY MEASURES FOR THE WORKSHOP
We ask that if you are feeling unwell on the day of the workshop, do not attend.
The workshop space will be cleaned before the workshop and during the breaks.
Hand sanitiser will be provided.
Organisers and the workshop leader will take a lateral flow test on the morning of the workshop, and participants will be asked to take one too.
The workshop has a small capacity so we can easily maintain social distancing.
We will not ask you to wear a facemask, as this will impact on the intimacy of the workshop.
Please cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.

If you would like to attend this workshop, or ask any questions, please get in touch with Lancaster Arts Producer, Alice Booth: alice@lancasterarts.org