For Baby Theatre, cooperation of parents who participate is necessary. Parents tend to stifle babies’ movements, worrying that they may touch installations and performers, or that it is dangerous and distracting if babies crawl about.

 

The Baby Theatre we practice encourages babies to follow their curiosities freely because we believe joy to be a free existence. They are safe with the adults watching over but not interfering in the fundamental experience of independence in babies.

 

Before the performance, we ask for parents to watch their children, while resisting the urge to stop them moving. If a parent stops a baby from moving during the performance, a performer or a staff speaks to them, “It’s OK not to stop your baby. It will be nice if you can just watch and let them explore.” Hopefully, this will relieve the parents and allow them to relax.

 

We also ask for parents’ cooperation to move around the space to change what the babies see, and to bring them closer to installations and performers in order for the babies to experience Baby Theatre more richly. 

 

Parents may also learn something new about their babies’ facial expressions and actions in the non-daily environment (they may be surprised at what babies are drawn to). Leaving, will have new ways to deal with babies in daily life.

 

It is a very significant time for adults as well, to leave from daily housework, jobs, and smartphones, and to enjoy relaxing in the artistic space with babies.

It is an opportunity for parents to imagine what sort of future awaits a few months ahead by watching older babies and talking with other parents. 

 

Babies must open their wings to the future, to feel that they are welcomed by the world and that their parents are definitely secure for everyday life, in every place.

We believe it is necessary for all communities to have a space that welcomes babies and parents.

 

We hope that Baby Theatre in Japan becomes less sparse, and soon takes over the whole country.