Motherlock heads to Melbourne Fringe

Motherlock is about challenging the traditional perceptions of modern motherhood.

Based on the experiences of New Zealand playwright Melissa Fergusson, this semi-autobiographical drama follows a woman living in the United Kingdom and New Zealand over fourteen years through four pregnancies to different British men.

These experiences of trauma, intimacy and adversity are bravely rendered on stage in this one woman showcase by hot new talent Virginia Frankovich (Fitz Bunny, The Young and Hungry Festival of New Theatre, The Vagina Monologues, Wellington Fringe Festival.)

‘At each crucial age 21, 24, 26, and 33 the character of the mother reinvents her identity’ explains Fergusson, a disciplined and focused arts practitioner who has an extensive background in acting, directing and makeup artistry within theatre.

Motherlock is inspired by Fergusson’s three children and the importance of them knowing their paternities and the circumstances of their early lives. The play includes authentic letters written by the children’s Fathers to Fergusson injecting Motherlock with a raw sense of emotional weight.

Produced by Anya Varezhkina with script advice by Wellington-based script writer and playwright Donna Banicevich Gera, Motherlock makes its smashing debut at The Melbourne Fringe Festival 2010 from September 28-October 2 at The Australia Centre for Performing Arts.  

Watch out for performances in Auckland and Wellington 2011.