In 2019, Rachel Cairns found herself unexpectedly expecting, just before she was to fly home for the holidays. She shares her journey through this experience, what led to it and happened since, in her world premiere production of Hypothetical Baby. Written by and starring Cairns, and beautifully directed by Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster, this moving solo show is about the ups and downs, struggles and triumphs, of being a child-bearing human in modern society. Filled with laughs and tears in equal measure, Hypotheical Baby is a deeply personal yet extensive story I think everyone should take the time to hear.

You’d think that a story about a young woman having an abortion on Christmas Eve Day would be a tearful one, and at times it certainly is, however Cairns has taken great pains to ensure that there’s plenty of levity mixed in. The honesty with which this subject has been approached for this production gives it those lighter moments, as often the truth is far more funny than what we can create for ourselves. Throughout, Cairns seeks to find a beginning and end to her show, going back further and further and telling us bits of her history. She covers everything from her family doctor not asking the right questions, to finding a clinic on the other side of the country, to all of the questions she had and had to find answers to, to the aftermath of the event itself and how it impacted her relationships with others. I appreciate that she didn’t shy away from the learning moments along her journey; there’s certainly no sugar-coating going on, but that’s what makes it the powerful story that it is.

I really enjoyed how inclusive she was when talking about these issues; she routinely extends her terminology to include anyone who can conceive rather than just stating women. It’s a small but mighty act which I hope to hear more of in everyday speech. She also discusses, through recounting a conversation with a Pakistani friend, how much more different her situation would be in other parts of the world, or even here in Canada if she was from elsewhere or her skin a different hue. This very real and difficult conversation was a harsh but true reminder of our privilege and the work which still needs to be done not only around the world but in our own backyard.

I admired her heartfelt land acknowledgement at the beginning of the show, and how she brings the ending of her show back to the idea of looking after one another, like the dish with one spoon, and how parenting can really only be accomplished successfully if everyone has the full support they need from the community around them.

Julia Howman’s design for this production is simple and effective, with a chair, rug, blanket, and blank screen being the only set pieces involved. The projection enhances the production greatly, showing us the overwhelming amount of information Cairns was sorting through to deal with her situation, for example. The design elements created a cohesive atmosphere for the production and made it an unforgettable experience.

Cairns gives a stunning performance in Hypothetical Baby. You could feel her passion radiating throughout the production. Her tenacity to not only tell her story, but to tell the broader story of reproductive rights and the conversations which are happening all over the world, is exemplary, and makes Hypothetical Baby the powerhouse production it is. Towards the end, as real tears were streaming down her face, I couldn’t help but cry myself; I could feel her fear for her mother and uncertainty of the future, an all to familiar feeling. I applaud her frankness, fearlessness, and research in putting this show together, and it certainly makes me want to listen to her podcast to hear more about her thoughts on the subject.

Hypothetical Baby is a powerful reminder of the obstacles we’ve overcome and the challenges which remain, all wrapped up in an eloquent and riveting eighty minutes. Cairns has created a show I believe everyone needs to see; to learn, to understand, and hopefully to spark change. It only runs until December 17th so make sure you get your tickets right away. For more information and tickets, visit: https://tarragontheatre.com/plays/current-season/upcoming/hypothetical-baby/

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Cover Photo: Rachel Cairns in Hypothetical Baby. Photo by Dahlia Katz

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