They say it takes a village to raise a child, and that’s certainly true for tiny humans, and the creative works that become our children, alike. Quote Unquote Collective’s Universal Child Care has had several companies involved in the birthing of this piece, including Broadstage, Santa Monica (who commissioned the work), Nightwood Theatre, Why Not Theatre, and the National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund. They’ve all come together with Canadian Stage to bring this moving and essential play to Toronto audiences. Directed by Amy Nostbakken, Universal Child Care is a bold wake up call to the realities of having children in the modern world.

It also took a village of storytellers to bring this play to life, including Aksum Amo-Adem, Vicky Araico, Sikh Nakazawa, Amy Nostbrakken, Norah Sadava, and Stephanie Sourial. Universal Child Care tells the story of four different families living in four different countries who have all recently had a baby. Through song, they discuss the realities of their hardships now that their little bundle of joy has arrived. In addition to their stories, statistics from each country are projected onto the set, as well as recorded stories and clips from real families. Acting as the comic relief and narrator is Theresa, an immigrant who has become a nanny, and admittedly often takes on more children than the limit allows because the parents are so desperate to have their children looked after. Discussing everything from job loss to divorce, feeling forced to move to road blocks and red tape, Universal Child Care does not shy away from anything.

Another aspect they include, which I thoroughly appreciate, is the post-natal care required for the birthing parent. They show breast pumps, incontinence products, and pads of all kinds which are not often discussed. These items aren’t frequently seen at baby showers, though they’re just as essential as the diapers and wipes and whatnot for the baby. It makes it clear that the people who wrote this piece and contributed stories come from places of knowledge and understanding, who are willing to break the taboos around these subjects and proudly discuss the realities they’ve experienced.

Lorenzo Savoini and Michelle Tracey’s set design for this production is astounding. A giant square set divided into four smaller squares allows each little family to have a home within the set. Only when the characters are forced to move do they fully switch locations. The entire set and everything in it is white; a stark contrast to Christine Ting-Huan Urqhart’s colourful costuming while also allowing for a perfectly blank canvas for the projections to be displayed on. My favourite aspect of the design is that in between the smaller squares and on the outside of the larger structure there’s ladder pieces for the actors to climb on, making the set fully interactive for the performers. They way they utilize this potential for movement is astonishing, and adds a whole other level of dynamism to the performance.

Universal Child Care boasts a wildly talented ensemble cast, featuring Joema Frith, Mónica Garrison Huerta, Germaine Konji, Norah Sadava, Alex Samaras, Fiona Sauder, Takako Segawa and Anika Venkatesh. The vocal prowess alone of this group will knock your socks off, then add their incredible physicality and their outstanding acting skills and you have a recipe for excellence. Segawa’s fluidity and control in her dance numbers is amazing. Sauder delivers a spoken-word style history recap of the fight for universal child care in all four countries with such power and dexterity that it immediately, and correctly, elicits uproarious applause from the audience. Huerta is so funny; her wink-wink nudge-nudge jokes are outdone only by the directness of the shirt she’s wearing. Yet we see a complete other side to her character when she’s caring for the babies. Venkatesh’s operatic voice sends shivers down your spine with its strength and beauty. This truly stellar cast brings passion and soul into every moment of this production, creating an unforgettable experience.

When you go to see Universal Child Care, make sure to check out the art exhibits they have in the lobby of the Berkeley Street Theatre as well! There’s a beautiful quilt, as well as a video display which help add another layer of context to this breathtaking work. Universal Child Care runs until February 25th so get your tickets right away! For more information, including information about performances where child care is also provided, and tickets, visit: https://www.canadianstage.com/shows-events/season/universal-child-care

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Cover Photo: Takako Segawa, Anika Venkatesh, Fiona Sauder, Alex Samaras, Norah Sadava, Joema Frith, Germaine Konji, Mónica Garrido Huerta. Photo by Dahlia Katz. Lighting Design by André du Toit. Set Design by Lorenzo Savoini & Michelle Tracey. Projection Design by potatoCakes_digital. Costume Design by Christine Ting – Huan 挺歡Urquhart.

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