
emilymcclainplays

Cast: 2 W Genre: Drama
Full Synopsis:
Inspired by Frida Kahlo’s work of the same name centering on her self-comfort in times of grief, this play explores the themes of care-giving and motherhood through the lens of a surreal theatrical experience: a modern day woman waking up in Frida Kahlo’s bathtub with no recollection of how she got there (or how she travelled back in time) and discovering that Frida is convinced she is the reincarnation of the child she recently miscarried.
The two-woman play utilizes music and movement/dance elements to evoke symbolic images of motherhood and nurturing found in Kahlo’s work at the same time interrogating the toll those expectations take on the individual women. Throughout the course of the play, Vivian and Frida navigate their understanding of their connection to each other and bring the audience into awareness of how society’s notions of motherhood and care-giving can become unbearable burdens that prevent women from self-actualization.
Awards:
William Faulkner Award Winner for Best One Act Play, 2022
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La Bute Festival Semi-Finalist, 2024
PRODUCTION HISTORY:
Stripped Bare New Play Incubator Workshop Performance, 2021

Director
Jennifer Boutell
Cast
Odelia San Diego
Rose Mancuso

Photo by Jeff James @jjamborie
