ARC will host the premiere of ‘Mother?’ this month, a bold and thought-provoking new production from award-winning actress, theatre-maker and qualified teacher Rachel Stockdale.
Some say motherhood is a profound sacrifice, while others describe it as a magical and miraculous blessing. Rachel Stockdale believes it is something far more extreme than either of those descriptions. Although the Stockton-born performer is child-free herself, her latest one-woman show explores the realities of parenthood in modern life with honesty, humour and compassion.
Written and performed by Stockdale, ‘Mother?’ offers a hard-hitting yet heartfelt look at the exhaustingly joyous, ridiculous, occasionally humiliating and deeply emotional world of motherhood. The production features verbatim dialogue inspired by the lived experiences of mothers and primary caregivers from across the Teesside region, helping to create a performance that feels both deeply personal and widely relatable.
These real-life stories have also contributed to an accompanying radio piece and an exhibition of portraits, both of which will be showcased alongside the premiere of the play. The material was gathered during a series of free, child-friendly workshops held over several weeks at ARC in Stockton.
Stockdale’s previous theatre production, ‘Fat Chance’, also took the form of a one-woman show. Tackling societal beauty standards and the damaging effects of body shaming, it received widespread praise, with comparisons drawn to the dry wit and sharp sarcasm of Jo Brand.
With warmth, honesty and insight, ‘Mother?’ delivers a powerful message: no two maternal experiences are ever the same.
Tickets, available on a pay-as-you-feel basis, are available at arconline.co.uk.
