“ ‘night, Mother' brings crisis to the stage March 3-6

“ ‘night, Mother,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about a mother and daughter in crisis, will be presented March 3-6 at Augustana College.

Performances will take place in the Brunner Theatre Center at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Masks will be required.

The play tells the story of Thelma, a widow, and Jessie, the divorced and depressed daughter who lives with her. The play by Marsha Norman is directed by Augustana senior Amy Nicholson.

“When I found out that I'd be directing “'night, Mother,” I knew that this show would be a special experience.” said Nicholson. “Due to its heavy subject matter and small, two-person cast, I knew that creating a safe creative space was of utmost importance. For every rehearsal we have started and ended with meditation and mindfulness exercises and we often have discussions about the show and the characters.

“Since the script provides so much depth to the show already, I decided that a minimalist approach would suit the show best. Instead of putting energy towards a complex set and technical elements, I am focusing on showcasing the intimacy and emotional suffocation that increases as the show progresses through lighting and blocking.” she said.

Nicholson said “'night, Mother” is not the kind of show that will leave the audience feeling uplifted.

“However, it will portray a very real relationship grappling with a very real issue," she said. "It is at times heart-warming and clever while simultaneously feeling excruciatingly vulnerable and painful.  In this production, theatricality is put on the back burner so intimacy can be brought to the forefront.

Jessie is played by Cassidy Wiltjer, a junior from Aurora, Ill. Thelma, the mother, is played by Roxanne Torian, a senior from Sycamore, Ill.

The production team includes Faith Rund, a senior from Monticello, Ill., stage manager; Roger Pavey, a sophomore from LeClaire, Iowa, lighting designer; Jacqueline Isaacson, a senior from Rock Island, costume designer; and Megan Anderson, a senior from Bettendorf, Iowa, props designer.

For more information, contact the Ticket Office, 309-794-7306.