The above Listen to Your Mother cast image is courtesy of Balee Images.
Listen to Your Mother is a production that takes audiences on a well-crafted journey that celebrates and validates mothering through giving voice to motherhood–in all of its complexity, diversity, and humor–in the form of original readings performed live on-stage by their authors. The first LTYM show was performed in Madison, WI in 2010. Twelve women took to the stage to share selected readings from their stories as mothers. Listen to Your Mother expanded to four cities in 2011, ten in 2012 and twenty three in 2013. This year LTYM is having events in thirty two cities!
The LTYM shows aim to support motherhood creatively through artistic expression, and also financially–through contributions to non-profit organizations supporting families in need. Each show donates a minimum of 10% of ticket proceeds to a local cause, as well as providing the cause awareness/fund-raising opportunities.
Tickets are on sale now for all 32 cities on the tour. I’m attending a LTYM show for the first time this year. Abigail and I will be at the Chicago show next month. From the looks of last year’s readings we’ll be in for a real treat:
Chicago’s 2014 show will be donating to Recovery on Water. Recovery on Water (ROW) is a rowing team that gives survivors of breast cancer the unique opportunity to become active in their recovery, gain support from and interact with fellow survivors. You can find out more about them at RecoveryOnWater.org. If you can make it out to the Chicago keep an eye out for us and say “Hey.” We can’t wait to see the show and meet fellow bloggers and readers in person.
The Chicago “Listen to Your Mother Show” will be held at the Athenaeum Theatre on May 4 at 2:00 p.m. Get your tickets in advance and find out who’s speaking at: ListenToYourMotherShow.com