MOTHER

What I liked

Christine Dickinson did an excellent job of weaving in comedic moments and wove in an analogy, which I think was likely helpful for those audience members who do not have complicated relationships with their parental figures. I also thought it was nice to see reality of pain and grief being present through daily life.

What I didn't like

Without giving anything away to future audiences, I think there could have been a tiny bit of additional clarity in some of the vehicles and visuals used in the final few minutes. I have the perspective of someone who has been on a healing journey, so while I recognized and appreciated the symbolism used, I could see a world in which it could leave some folks (who maybe have peaceful familial relationships) with questions.

My overall impression

Mother was an emotionally validating piece for adult children with complicated parental relationships, particularly mothers. Though cultural conversation around fraught relationships and parental estrangement are becoming more and more common, we often hear only the logistical details of separations and aren’t seeing the lasting impact of a child not getting the relationship they need from their parent.

The playwright allows us to witness the very real pain held by an adult child and highlights the common experience of being the one left alone to process.