“LO! Mother!” — B. Prądzyńska/M. Banachowicz/K. Rybarczyk | SKT performance

“LO! Mother!” is a feminist manifesto on motherhood and femininity. It is the voice of modern women and modern mothers who reject imposed expectations and ask directly: are we obliged to sacrifice ourselves to the limits of endurance, to remain silent about our needs and to endure the judgments of a world that too often forgets that motherhood also has a woman's face?

The show shatters stereotypes and dismantles long-outdated myths about motherhood as mere unconditional service. She realizes that womanhood and motherhood are not identical roles subordinated to patriarchal expectations, but full, complex experiences — full of joy, chaos, body, sexuality, as well as deep emotions and psychological challenges that are not usually discussed.

The creators — Magdalena Banachowicz and Kinga Rybarczyk, actresses, young mothers — did not base the show solely on their own experiences. The starting point was also previously conducted video calls with women moms of different ages, from different backgrounds and stages of life. The experiences gathered in this way have created a multi-voiced, intergenerational story of motherhood — a candid portrait full of strength, vulnerability and rebellion.

In this process, Barbara Prądzyńska supports the director, like a midwife, giving the play rhythm, tenderness and theatrical precision.

The show aims to support women, sensitize society to the needs of young mothers, confront stereotypes and myths about motherhood, remind about postpartum depression and promote the mental health of future and current moms.

It is a show that speaks loudly and without compromise about the fact that the right to joy, carnality, self-care, reflection and boundaries is also the right of mothers, and society should listen to these rights, not judge them.

director: Barbara Prądzyńska, screenplay: Magdalena Banachowicz, Kinga Rybarczyk, Barbara Prądzyńska, acting: Magdalena Banachowicz, Kinga Rybarczyk, character from video commercials: Maja Karmińska, voice from the off: Barbara Prądzyńska, music: Hubert Wińczyk, video: Agata Nawrocka, Przemysław Bembnista, scenography: Norbert Ogoniak, costumes: Idalia Mantas, poster: Maja Piskorska.

Interviewees: Katarzyna Brzezińska, Monika Bykowska, Kamila Hancyk, Hanna Jernas, Wiola Kazmierczak, Izabela Kolka, Anna Lachor, Alicja Meisner, Agata Ogoniak, Paulina Panowicz, Maja Piskorska, Bożena Szota, Marianna Trebacz, Aleksandra Wisz

Premiere: September 30, 2023

Spectacle 16 +

Reviews highlight the power of this theatrical intervention:

— A real, moving and powerful spectacle that can amuse and at the same time force reflection — not only for mothers, but for all viewers, because it concerns us all.

— A production that reveals the frosted perspective of young mothers, showing their struggles in a way without pity, but also with empathy.

“The audience, including fathers, comes out of the theater with a new understanding: “I didn't know what you were really up against.”

*Traditionally, after each presentation there is a conversation between viewers and creators. **Due to the specifics of the scene, late guests will not be allowed in.

The performance was created thanks to the support of the Zamek Cultural Center in cooperation with the Art of Mindfot Foundation. Ewelina Jaskowiak

*The play is performed as part of the 10th Sopot Theatrical Consequences.

Organizer: Teatr BotoPartner: rentersMedia patrons: e-teatr.pl, Radio Gdańsk, TrojMiasto.pldFinanced by the City of Sopot.Co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund — a state special purpose fund

Other performances of this edition of SKT: