ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a range of theatre-based activity; research, performance and workshops undertaken by the writer seeking to communicate with both the powerful and with communities about a range of issues connected to poor maternity outcomes in western Kenya. It argues for a process of responsive practice, where findings from one piece of work leads subsequent activity, seeing this as directly useful to affected communities as opposed to over-reliance on priorities set externally. It also discusses why so little applied arts work focuses on holding the powerful to account, arguing that this is as important as engaging and seeking to influence the marginalised people who are often the target of applied arts interventions.
