And Her Children

A masterful solo performance that left me breathless. And Her Children is an unflinching, darkly funny, and ultimately devastating piece that confronts the cost of complicity with terrifying intimacy. Hailey McAfee’s performance is a tour de force—razor-sharp, emotionally precise, and haunting. This show shook me to my core in the best way possible.... full review

Oh my God. So utterly powerful. Possibly my favorite Fringe show this year although I have to let its power settle.... full review

Wow. What a haunting performance from Hailey McAfee as Anna Fierling. You don’t need to know about Brecht to appreciate the beautiful writing and clever contradictions. Hard-hitting and tragic, in the best way.... full review

Blisteringly effective, this modern take on Mother Courage is a fascinating character study. Being familiar with the work of many members of this cast and creative team, "AND HER CHILDREN" is, to me, a shining example of a shared calling card: honor and homage to theatrical icons without being *too* sacred, and white-hot, hyper-relevant performative takes on what matters now. All the flavors, portion size, and craft are here. Hailey, Rosie, Ilana, Padra, Russell, Abi, and Mallory have served an amazingly balanced, flavorful take on a classic that lingers well after. Bravo to the entire team. Go see this. Run, don't walk. ... full review

Hailey McAfee is a frickin star. What an absolute tour de force performance. A young Nicole Kidman-type with the control, gravitas, and chops of someone far past her years. This play has an essential message and it definitely delivers it, but it only comes across because of this technically demanding performance. Incredibly, Hailey never makes this heavy lifting look difficult. She makes us laugh with her, makes us hate her, makes us cry for her, makes us afraid of her, and is only ever comepletely… Mother. She blew me away.... full review

Poignant and riveting. There are moments in this play that make you laugh heartily and other parts that make your heart heavy. Ms. Rosie Glen-Lambert and Ms Hailey MacAfee are exceptional artists. We left the play in awe of the acting, writing, directing. Bravo to these talented ladies! ... full review

An insightful, upsetting yet honest look at an unsettling topic that is, unfortunately, still quite relevant. This show is about as topical as it gets as this issue has been brushed off the front pages these days due to a myriad other issues but it is still important. I definitely recommend checking this out. ... full review

There have been a long list of performances in the history of acting, across many media. I think Hailey McAfee might’ve given the greatest one. ... full review

The show was absolutely incredible and heartbreakingly powerful. It is of the times, it is necessary viewing and it is so intelligently written. It evokes visceral emotions and really takes you on a deeply human journey. One of that reflects our political climate and is sinister, comedic, gut-wrenching, and humanizing. Please go watch this show if you can. Rosie knows how to direct a play and I've never seen something she's done and not walked away with awe and a profound awe and gratitude for art. Hailee was mesmerizing in this play and I believe no one else could've done this role but her. What a gift to wtiness.... full review

And Her Children walks an impressive tightrope. It is a searing critique of the American gun industry, yet never loses sight of the humanity of those who serve it. Judge this contemporary reimagining of Anna Fierling all you want. She certainly deserves it. And yet the play also demands that you empathize with her, too. That is the power and complexity at the heart of And Her Children.... full review