Preview: Mother @ ARC Stockton/Live Theatre, Newcastle

Photo by Simon Shaw

Mother? is a new one‑woman play from North East writer and performer Rachel Stockdale, touring ARC Stockton on Thursday 18th & Friday 19th June and Live Theatre on 30th June. Developed from interviews with more than one hundred mothers and caregivers across the region, the piece draws on real accounts from birth parents, foster carers, adoptive families, midwives, a doula, people who have chosen not to have children, and a nun. These conversations explore subjects including birth, bereavement, adoption, fostering, family legacy and the shifting expectations placed on parents today.

Structured around storytelling and character work, Mother? brings these collected voices into focus, examining the realities and pressures of modern caregiving. The project also includes a portrait exhibition at ARC, featuring thirty contributors photographed as part of the wider research process. The exhibition runs from 18 June to 7 July.

The play is currently in development for radio with BBC Tees, extending the material beyond the stage. Created in association with ARC Stockton Arts Centre, Mother? is supported by Arts Council England, the PFC Trust and Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Tickets are available from ARC Stockton and Live Theatre website.