Personally speaking I think the way modern society is set up most of us live pretty insular lives. I don't think it's because we fear the unknown- rather I think it is more a result of the majority of us sticking with who and what we know. Staying where it feels safe. Connecting to others who share and/or can relate to our personal experiences. For me I have always found myself continually drawn to people who share my same faith. I guess finding out someone is a Jew I tend to feel an immediate kinship with this person despite our geographic differences, out cultures and any other difference that might appear to inhibit us from becoming friends. At least that was always my experience until this year when my children both left private Jewish schools and embarked on their academic careers at NYC public schools.
It is through them I have come to realize and appreciate that all of us have something in common- the fact that we are human. It is crazy to admit that it has taken me this long to truly step outside the comfort zone I have essentially built around myself– more out of ignorance than bliss- and since doing so I only wish I would have done it sooner. And having the privilege of attending the electrifying and groundbreaking new one-woman show called MotherStruck! written and performed by poet, activist Staceyann Chin (Def Poetry Jam) and directed by Cynthia Nixon (Sex & The City) I was all at once reminded of how interconnected we all are-despite the differences we perceive we have. And I couldn't have felt more elated to be able to share the truly groundbreaking experience that is this show with my teenage daughter who was my plus one.
While I don't want to give away the essence of this play-Click this link for DISCOUNTED TICKETS here are some things I would like to say about why it is in your best interest to try and make it to a performance during its limited run.
#1 You will be RIVETED to your seat for a solid two hours. I know hard to believe that ONE WOMAN can keep your rapt attention- can make you weep both tears of joy and sadness simultaneously but this performer Staceyann Chin so seamlessly juxtaposes the most rock bottom moments of her existences with self deprecating humor and honesty that you are drawn into her world and for those two hours in the Lynn Redgrave theater's intimate space you feel like you are taking this journey alongside her.
#2 If you have experienced the frenetic highs and lows of attempting to conceive a child- MotherStruck with resonate BIG TIME. This is what I absolutely adored about this show– the fact that our journey to become a mother is universal- and there is NOTHING about Staceyann's journey that won't feel familiar. That won't remind you of what it was like to have your fertility fail you, to feel like a failure when the one thing you're told since you are a young girl that should come naturally doesn't and you are on a one-woman mission to make parenthood your reality.
#3 Because as women we all NEED to see and feel and truly walk in the footsteps of every Lesbian woman to be reminded that her struggle, the prejudice, the homophobia she experiences on a daily basis is real and it matters and we shouldn't be complacent about it. Sitting in the theater watching StaceyAnn share some of the most horrific moments of her life and abuse suffered because of her sexuality made me uncomfortable in the best way possible. And I was happy my daughter was there to witness it – to feel it and to be bothered by it. These are conversations we need to have. period.
SHE DESERVES A TONY. With just her body, her voice and a lone orange ottoman- Staceyann chin takes you on a journey from Jamaica to Brooklyn and each minute, each gesture, each cry, each breathless monologue brings you one step closer to the understanding that ultimately we are all so much more the same than we are different.
Bottom line– The show is produced by Rosie O’Donnell with NYC Culture Project and will be playing at The Lynn Redgrave Theater at 45 Bleeker Street. MotherStruck! sets forth Staceyann Chin’s personal journey to motherhood as a single woman, lesbian and activist who does not have health insurance or a “serious, stable, financial set up,” but wants to have a child. Told through Chin’s uniquely personal and poetic lens, this solo show explores how the process changed her life and how she makes peace with what she learns from this profound experience.
Here is what Rosie O’Donnell had to say about MotherStruck! “Staceyann Chin expresses herself in a viscerally poignant and authentically compelling voice. I ‘met’ Staceyann several years ago through her memoir, The Other Side of Paradise. Her account of growing up alone in Jamaica, without parents, of her plucky and deeply funny perspective about her unlikely survival, and of finding her voice in New York City, moved me deeply. It is thrilling to know Staceyann and to be a part of the team bringing the next chapters of her story to a larger audience. Staceyann is an incredibly skilled storyteller whose orations highlight the complexity of being human, activist, woman and other. MotherStruck! is the insightful narrative of one woman embracing the idea of the Modern Family, of Staceyann’s journey towards and through motherhood. Each nuanced twist and related turn reminds us that we are all striving to be better, better to our parents, better to our children, better in the mad rush towards our most beautiful reflective selves.” – Rosie O’Donnell
Sometimes STEPPING outside your comfort zone is EXACTLY what you need to realize that the zone you thought was comfort was actually a noose around your neck- preventing you from truly experiencing your life and connecting with others. So what are you waiting for?! Click this link for DISCOUNTED TICKETS
Opening Night is Monday, December 14
Showtimes:
- Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30pm
- Friday at 8pm
- Saturday at 4pm and 8pm
- Sunday at 5pm
Written and performed by Staceyann Chin; Directed by Cynthia Nixon; Produced by Rosie O’Donnell with NYC Culture Project : Monday, December 14
Showtimes:
- Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30pm
- Friday at 8pm
- Saturday at 4pm and 8pm
- Sunday at 5pm
Written and performed by Staceyann Chin; Directed by Cynthia Nixon; Produced by Rosie O’Donnell with NYC Culture Project
I’m going to see it Saturday! I am so excited to hear that you enjoyed it!
“…watching StaceyAnn share some of the most horrific moments of her life and abuse suffered because of her sexuality made me uncomfortable in the best way possible. And I was happy my daughter was there to witness it – to feel it and to be bothered by it. These are conversations we need to have.” This was the statement that made me intrigued beyond all others. What a fantastic experience.
This sounds fantastic!
I say all of the time we need to make the 2 hours drive more often. This looks incredible!
This sounds amazing! I’m glad you took your daughter – not enough of us are having these conversations with our children. Putting this on my must see list!
I would love to see this with my Mother!! It’s on my must do list!
This sounds like a wonderful play! And I love you saw it with your daughter!
This looks like such a fun night out and I love that you went with your daughter!
Sounds fun!