Motherlode
Image: Photo: The Foto Factory
In a semi-circle on the stage, each actor sits before a small table holding a scented candle, set against a backdrop of a galaxy of a million stars, the characters speak in turn, accompanied by ambient celestial music. We are cocooned in a womblike atmosphere, a trusting safe place for sharing raw, honest, sometimes sad, confronting and often funny tales. It’s a bit like being a fly on the wall in a holistic counselling session, definitely no holds barred. This is a women focused play with a strong female force.
In the very comfy state of the art venue, The Forum Theatre, home of the Actors Centre Australia, is the play Motherlode, director Dean Carey’s 15th verbatim show. The joint production by Hub Studio and Rue de la Rocket searched for seven women who agreed to be interviewed and have their personal stories told, all from completely different demographics in terms of their backgrounds and ranging between the ages of 30 and 90.
Seven experienced, talented actors, all mothers themselves, tell these real life stories, everything in the script is word for word from the transcribed interviews. Motherlode is about being a mother, how having a child changes your life, how there is little acknowledgement of the sacrifices and importance of the role that mothers play in society. Motherhood can be isolating, terrifying, frustrating, beautiful, liberating and enlightening. You can no longer ignore the starving children in Africa or be a free spirit, when you have your own child. You have responsibility for the rest of your life.
The single mum lesbian sex worker who conceived through IVF, the 90 year old from England, the Russian immigrant, each is a distinct character. Although very positive things are said about their mothers, their unconditional love above all, their relationships with their fathers are mixed, especially the fraught, graphic story of sexual abuse.
Until May 13, Various performance times. Actors Centre Australia – Italian Forum Cultural Centre, 23 Norton Street, Leichhardt. $25-$35. Tickets & Info: www.thehubstudio.com.au
By Mel Somerville.
