Deconstructing Motherhood: A Raw and Revelatory New Play
Jane Upton‘s “(the) Woman,” recently showcased and shortlisted for the Bruntwood prize, isn’t simply a play about motherhood – it’s an unflinching exploration of its messy realities. It’s a theatrical experience that resonates deeply,offering a panoramic view of life after childbirth with remarkable honesty and imagination.
The play centers on “M,” a writer grappling with the seismic shift motherhood brings. Lizzy Watts delivers a gut-punching performance as M, portraying her not as a perfect mother, but as a complex individual navigating profound change. You’ll witness her struggles – a past relationship resurfacing with pointed expectations, and the quiet friction with her husband as intimacy evolves.
A Play Within a Play
Angharad Jones’s direction brilliantly integrates M’s creative process into the narrative. The stage features a back wall where scene titles are constantly typed, deleted, and rewritten, visually representing the struggle to articulate this experience. Glitches and repetitions underscore the chaotic nature of both writing and motherhood.
Interestingly, the play also depicts M pitching her idea to theater commissioners. They suggest adding crime, a possessed baby, and musical numbers – highlighting the societal pressure to sensationalize the maternal experience. This metatheatrical approach makes you feel as though the play is unfolding live, blurring the lines between performance and reality.
Unpredictability and Isolation
Structurally, “(the) Woman” mirrors the unpredictable nature of motherhood itself. It’s an explosion of scenes, emotions, and fragmented thoughts. The play doesn’t shy away from the isolating aspects of becoming a mother.
Although M’s children remain unseen, their presence permeates every aspect of her life. You’ll see her grapple with feelings of disconnection during a harrowing stay in a special care maternity ward. She also confronts the internal comparisons to other parents, questioning her own choices and fearing lost opportunities.
Challenging the Myth of Natural Motherhood
Upton masterfully blends uproarious humor with deeply intimate revelations.The play dismantles the myth that motherhood comes naturally, acknowledging the ache for the person you were before. It’s a powerful statement about the complexities of identity and the societal expectations placed upon mothers.
Ultimately, “(the) Woman” is a roar from a place of isolation, a testament to the unspoken struggles of countless women. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to not have all the answers, and that the stories of complex, evolving mothers deserve to be told. Upton proves that these are the stories that truly demand a place on stage.
(the) Woman is currently playing at the Park Theatre in London, running until October 25th. https://parktheatre.co.uk/events/the-woman/
