About six years ago I learned of a show celebrating motherhood happening in cities across America. I later auditioned for that show when I lived in New York and though I didn’t make it (thanks a lot, ridiculous talent pool) I fell in love with the process and the show. Four years ago I applied to bring it here to our beautiful city and sure enough, the founder and team believed in me and in us and we were accepted.
Here we are about to have our third and final show here in Baton Rouge and I have so many emotions about it. Storytelling is my passion and I believe strongly in its power. Through hearing the experiences of others we develop empathy and compassion and expand our own world views. We gain understanding and also can feel such a sense of validation to know that others have experienced things we, too, have endured. We are reminded we are not alone and that don’t actually know it all. It links us together in ways that surface level exchanges and social media clips never will, and in a time where our community is so divided, I truly believe it can unite us in a magical way- even if just for a day.
The mission of each Listen to Your Mother production is to take the audience on a well-crafted journey that celebrates and validates mothering through giving voice to motherhood–in all of its complexity, diversity, and humor- through original readings performed live on-stage by their authors. Our cast this year is made up of 13 absolutely incredible people of all ages and backgrounds who will make you laugh and cry and say “me too.” It will be a time to bring our own mothers and grandmothers, daughters and sons, and those who raised us together to honor motherhood in whatever form that carries for each of us.
Tickets, details, and cast and sponsor info can be found at listentoyourmothershow.com/batonrouge. We hope to see all of you at The Trademark on Third next Sunday, May 7 at 2pm!