Filament Theatre's latest production, "RAIN: for babies and their carers," has taken an unconventional approach by inviting audience members to let loose. The show, which features a maximum of 10 babies and their accompanying adults, is designed to prioritize the youngest attendees' comfort and enjoyment above all else.
Upon entering the performance space, expectants are ushered into a soothing transition room where they can relax amidst soft fabric strands and gentle rain sounds. Once inside the main stage area, the audience settles around a large, circular "blanket" where actors Ariya Hawkins and Alexandra Plattos Sulack perform rain-themed songs alongside cellist Sonia Goldberg.
As the show progresses, the boundaries between performer and audience dissolve, with babies – and sometimes their caregivers – getting up close and personal. Droplets of water fall from above, courtesy of mosquito nets filled with tulle fabric, while actors playfully engage in playful interactions with infants, demonstrating an acceptance of messiness and chaos.
For new parents, particularly those struggling to adjust to the demands of caring for a newborn, this show offers much-needed solace. Director Ellie Levine notes that all eyes are on the babies, ensuring they're having "a safe and enjoyable time."
From Australia's Threshold theater, the concept has been successfully exported to Chicago, with Filament Theatre presenting its first-ever production for infants and their caregivers. This unique offering aims to provide a tranquil environment where parents can bond with their little ones, counteracting the stresses of daily life.
For those eager to experience "RAIN: for babies and their carers," tickets are available at filamenttheatre.org.
Upon entering the performance space, expectants are ushered into a soothing transition room where they can relax amidst soft fabric strands and gentle rain sounds. Once inside the main stage area, the audience settles around a large, circular "blanket" where actors Ariya Hawkins and Alexandra Plattos Sulack perform rain-themed songs alongside cellist Sonia Goldberg.
As the show progresses, the boundaries between performer and audience dissolve, with babies – and sometimes their caregivers – getting up close and personal. Droplets of water fall from above, courtesy of mosquito nets filled with tulle fabric, while actors playfully engage in playful interactions with infants, demonstrating an acceptance of messiness and chaos.
For new parents, particularly those struggling to adjust to the demands of caring for a newborn, this show offers much-needed solace. Director Ellie Levine notes that all eyes are on the babies, ensuring they're having "a safe and enjoyable time."
From Australia's Threshold theater, the concept has been successfully exported to Chicago, with Filament Theatre presenting its first-ever production for infants and their caregivers. This unique offering aims to provide a tranquil environment where parents can bond with their little ones, counteracting the stresses of daily life.
For those eager to experience "RAIN: for babies and their carers," tickets are available at filamenttheatre.org.
... I mean, can you imagine walking into a room full of strangers who just get you? 
And the idea that it's all about the babies' comfort and enjoyment is so genius - I bet some people are going to cry (in a good way) during this show 
. The mosquito nets with tulle fabric are such a cute touch too! 
. This show is like a big hug for new parents who are struggling to adjust. And the music is so soothing! 
It's not just about entertaining the babies (although that's part of it 
), but also giving caregivers a chance to relax and enjoy some quality time with their little ones. I'm definitely going to recommend this to all my parenting friends 
! Who says theatre has to be stuffy? Letting people just relax and have fun with little ones sounds like the perfect way to tackle parenting stress 
. I can imagine it's a total game-changer for new parents, especially those who feel like they're drowning in baby duties 
. And honestly, watching babies laugh & play on stage would be pure gold 
... anyone else thinking of getting tix? 
. Can't we just turn up the noise and have some actual fun for once? Who needs soothing fabrics when you can have strobing lights and a fog machine?!
. and the idea of getting up close and personal with our tiny humans? yessss, let's do that! 
️ I just heard about this show and its concept is literally genius 
. This show sounds like exactly what I need – a space where I can relax and bond with my baby without all the stress 
. And I love that they're making it okay to be messy and imperfect, because let's face it, that's just part of parenting right now 
! Anyone who's seen this show or has any thoughts about it should def come share their experiences 
!
like who lets infants attend a live performance with actors getting all up in them? I mean i guess its cool that its supposed to be super relaxed and fun for parents too, but idk if ill be okay with my tiny human face melting into some random strangers hands 
. just hoping those mosquitoes nets dont bring any actual bugs tho 
!
how cute are those mosquito nets filled with tulle fabric?? 
plus its not like they're gonna judge u for bringing a sleeping baby to a show, lol 
️ it's like, so refreshing to see creators prioritize the youngest attendees' experience. And can we talk about how adorable those mosquito net droplets are? 
! I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a bunch of adorable babies wailing and crying on stage while the actors just roll with it? 
and don't even get me started on the "transitional room" lol sounds like they took every cliche from a relaxation app 