Newcastle-based theatre company Curious Monkey is making a play about motherhood, now and in previous generations.
Written and performed by the company’s Artistic Director Amy Golding, preggers asks what motherhood means for women now and for women of previous generations, women like Amy’s mum, whose unconventional approach to family life was captured by a 1979 BBC documentary team, and Amy’s nan, who had her child just before the birth of the NHS.
“I was inspired to make this play by my mum, my nan and my big sister,” said Golding. “I wanted to find out more about their experiences of motherhood and how things have changed from 1948 when my mum was born to now when I hope to become a mother. I am on a journey towards motherhood, a journey that has been full of the joy of planning and conceiving a baby and also the difficult and traumatic experience of losing a baby.
“The play will track this unpredictable and complex journey. The show is a very personal story but I believe the themes it explores are universal—choices women have (and don't have) now and in the past around becoming parents, how it affects your career, family relationships and trying to plan something that is ultimately beyond your control.”
Laura Lindow and Rachel Glover co-direct the production, design is by Imogen Cloët and the show will tour with post-show Q&A sessions with Golding and Glover along with invited specialist guests.
The play, which is supported by Arts Council England and the Rosa Fund with development supported by Newcastle’s Live Theatre, opens at Live on 1 and 2 June and then goes to the Unity Theatre, Liverpool on 7 and 8, Cast in Doncaster on 9, Exeter’s Bike Shed from 14 to 18, Chats Palace in London on 21 and 22, Alnwick Playhouse on 28, closing at Slung Low’s HUB in Leeds on 3 July.