At the McCullough Theatre, a mother gently whispers words that her son is set to recite. Behind them, a large screen projects images depicting traditional housewives, unusual foods, and maternal figures. This scene is not merely a tender moment between parent and child; it is part of the rehearsal for Motherhood, a new performance piece created by artist Suzanne Bocanegra and commissioned by Texas Performing Arts.
Scheduled to debut on Friday and Saturday, the performance delves into the complexities of motherhood as a political and societal construct. Bocanegra’s work addresses a range of topics, from the histories of orphanages and infertility to the societal values placed on child-rearing. Utilizing a unique “voice-in-ear” technique, Bocanegra provides lines to her son, actor Judah Lang, who then conveys them to the audience.
Lang expresses that embodying his mother’s words has offered him valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of motherhood. The experience has prompted him to reflect on a journey he has never personally encountered. “Life is really cool and really sad,” Lang remarked. “And motherhood is really cool, but also really hard.”
This marks Lang’s inaugural performance alongside his mother, introducing a distinctive dimension to Bocanegra’s innovative narrative style. While Lang vocalizes the words, they originate from his mother, prompting an exploration of identity and the profound impact that parents have on their children’s voices.
“I believe having your son perform this—especially since much of it centers on motherhood, and it’s certainly not my own definition of motherhood—changes the experience for the audience,” Lang noted.
Director Claudia Zelevansky joined the project after collaborating with Bocanegra at the Mercury Store, a Brooklyn-based organization that supports theater directors and choreographers in developing new works. She appreciates the visibility of Bocanegra at the edge of the stage, as it serves as a reminder that the performance is a collaborative process. “It makes me think a lot about ownership of ideas, ownership of language, and what it means to stand in for somebody else,” she commented.
Zelevansky highlighted the intriguing moments when Lang must request Bocanegra to repeat her lines before sharing them with the audience, adding another layer of complexity to the performance.
While Motherhood navigates the historical expectations surrounding mothers, its most intimate aspect remains the bond between Bocanegra and Lang. As Lang articulates his mother’s sentiments, the audience is invited to reflect not only on the essence of motherhood but also on how its influence permeates beyond the individual mother.
Motherhood will be performed on Friday and Saturday at the McCullough Theatre. Tickets are available for purchase.
