Second Trimester

On Monday, 11 May 2026, the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) will host Second Trimester, a performance that brings a deeply personal family history to the stage. Written and performed by trans artist Krishna Istha alongside their mother, Geetha Shankar, the play is the second instalment of a trilogy that began with First Trimester. Under the direction of Milli Bhatia, the production uses a cinematic, Bollywood-inspired aesthetic to frame a real-life conflict. The story stems from a moment four years ago when Krishna shared their desire to become pregnant with Geetha, setting off a complex exploration of family dynamics and identity.

The show is framed as an epic saga, moving through themes of multi-generational pregnancy, gender, and the weight of inherited memories. It doesn't shy away from difficult territory, touching on love triangles, missing persons, and the friction that arises when personal desires clash with traditional expectations. The tagline "One stage. Two generations. Endless drama" sums up the 90-minute performance, which runs straight through without an interval. Because the narrative deals with sensitive topics like transphobia, racism, and child loss, the age recommendation is generally set for those over 16 or 18, depending on the source. The production also uses sensory elements like loud music, strobe lighting, and haze to build its atmosphere, which is something to keep in mind if you are sensitive to those effects.

If you are planning to head to the ACCA for the 19:15 start, tickets are generally £15, with a reduced rate of £12 available for students, under 18s, over 60s, and disabled patrons. There is a standard £3.50 management fee for bookings made outside the box office. The production is part of the Brighton Festival and the caravan assembly, following a run at London’s Battersea Arts Centre. For those with specific access requirements, the tour has incorporated live captioning, BSL interpretation, and audio description on certain dates. It is a chance to see a production that explores the intersection of queer identity and South Asian family life through a very specific, honest lens.