In this engaging conversation, Darnelle Radford and Susan Chase explore the themes of motherhood, artistic expression, and the challenges of self-producing theatre. Susan shares her personal journey through cancer and how it inspired her work, including her latest play, Mother's Day. They discuss the importance of music in theatre, the fear of performing in New York, and the significance of audience engagement. The conversation also touches on the realities of procrastination in the creative process and the unexpected journey to acceptance in the United Solo Festival. In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Susan Chase discuss the intricacies of creating and presenting the play 'Mother's Day,' reflecting on the supportive environment of theater festivals, the emotional journey of writing the play after the loss of Chase's mother, and the importance of audience engagement through visual storytelling. They explore the historical significance of Mother's Day, the impact of COVID-19 on artistic expression, and the deep connections that can be fostered through shared experiences in theater.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mother's Day and Artistic Journey
03:00 Susan's Undoing: A Personal Journey Through Cancer
06:00 The Role of Music in Theatrical Productions
09:00 Performing in New York: Overcoming Fear and Finding Community
11:58 Audience Engagement and Relatability in Performance
14:56 The Challenges of Self-Producing Theatre
17:58 Procrastination and the Creative Process
20:47 Unexpected Acceptance: A Journey to the United Solo Festival
23:00 Festival Experience and Artist Support
25:05 Reflections on Artistic Changes
28:06 Engaging the Audience with Visuals
30:02 Historical Context of Mother's Day
33:56 Thematic Depth of the Play
39:01 The Impact of COVID on Creativity
40:54 A Call to Action for Audiences
ABOUT MOTHER’S DAY - A Theatrical Homage To The Women Who Made Us
Mother’s Day is both a memoir of one mother, and an homage to ALL mothers. Veering from sentimental to skeptical, from harrowing to hilarious, Mother’s Day celebrates the women who made us. It is especially dedicated to those mothers who are no longer with us, except in our memories and our dreams.
"Mother's Day is ultimately passionate and illuminating, inspiring viewers to revisit their own relationships with their mothers." (Lehigh Valley Stage 4/9/25)
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