Mum’s the word in Motherload TASMANIAN mother of two and independent theatre director, Julie Waddington, is no stranger to balancing the mental load.
The demands of motherhood seemed to intersect with the challenges she experienced as an independent artist.
Ms Waddington’s curiosity, combined with her drive to not be defeated in balancing both of her worlds, sparked the idea behind The Motherload.
The Motherload is a creative documentary performance exploring the beauty, grotesque and poetic in the madness and mundane of motherhood.
It takes the form of a live game show, engaging with local mum ‘contestants’ who compete for the crown of ‘Ultimate Queen Mumma’.
The show has been in development for several years, led by five collaborating artist mums and in consultation with more than 500 mums across Tasmania and the world.
“We knew from the very first development in 2018 that the project had a future as the mothers we engaged with were hungry for their voices and stories to be heard,’’ Ms Waddington said.
“The stories mums have shared with us have been heartfelt, heartbreaking, funny, raw and brave and they have told us that engaging in the project has helped them feel less alone, validated and seen.”
The creative team, on and off stage, is comprised of 12 women – 10 of them mothers. In association with Tasmanian Theatre Company, never.the.less productions premiered the show at Junction Arts Festival in 2021 and this year is touring regional Tasmania.
It will be performed in New Norfolk at Studio 9B with support from Derwent Valley Arts on Saturday, August 26.
Tickets can be obtained at mentalthemotherload.com
Picture credit: REBECCA THOMSON