BE A PART OF SOMETHING NEW
SUPPORT "A MOTHER"
THROUGH THE ORCHARD PROJECT
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
A Mother, a contemporary adaptation of Brecht’s The Mother, starring Tony nominated, Obie Award winning Jessica Hecht, has been selected as the opening production of Baryshnikov Arts’ 20th Anniversary season this coming April. I hope you’ll consider contributing to this timely production that, inspired by Brecht, addresses the challenges of our dark times with pathos, humor, and song. Our goal is to raise $250,000 to make this important production possible.
A Mother is a groundbreaking theatrical event that not only pays homage to Brecht’s powerful, seldom-performed play, but also breathes new life into it through a contemporary lens. Part documentary, part autobiography, part disco, this production is an evocative and personal journey conceived by long-time collaborators Jessica Hecht and Neena Beber, directed by Maria Mileaf. Through a multilayered approach, combining heartfelt storytelling and a soaring blend of disco, gospel, reggae, and Jewish music, led by music director Mustapha Khan, the play creates a visceral experience of loss, resilience, and transformation. A Mother is set against the vibrant backdrop of 1970s/80s Miami, and places Jess’ story of first love in the broader historical context of the race riots following Arthur Lee McDuffie’s murder by police officers.
Mikhail Baryshnikov founded Baryshnikov Arts to “inspire, incubate, nurture, and support courageous artists and adventurous audiences.” As Baryshnikov Arts’ co-founder Lisa Rinehart noted upon selecting A MOTHER to launch the art center’s 20th Anniversary season, “I think it is fair to say that a play like A MOTHER is why Misha created Baryshnikov Arts! It’s a space for serious, committed artists to work, play, experiment, and take risks—essentially, to find their way. It is a thrill (and an honor) to witness that process in action with A Mother.
The Orchard Project is very proud that artists at all stages of their careers call it their home. This project is a fiscally sponsored project of the Association for Development of Dramatic Arts (The Orchard Project), and as such, all donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The project will be able to apply all donated funds minus credit card and administrative costs to fulfill the artistic purpose it shares with The Orchard Project. For more information on donations to fiscally sponsored projects, email lana@orchardproject.com.
