ABOUT THE PLAY
Winner of the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play
Thelma Cates is a mother and widow who lives with her daughter, Jessie. Jessie is the divorced mother of a troubled son who struggles with life as an unemployed epileptic. She confesses to her mother that she is going to take her life. Tonight. As Mama pleads with her to reconsider her decision, old secrets are revealed, and long-ignored feelings rise to the surface. The mother-daughter bond between Jessie and Mama becomes stronger and lovelier than ever, making it possible for Jessie to end her noisy, cluttered existence, and take a quieter, calmer path with closure and love.
‘NIGHT, MOTHER
By Marsha Norman
Directed by ShawnJ West
Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission
Audio Description by Gravity Access — link for more information
When: May 29-June 28, Friday/Saturday 7:30 PM, Sunday 2 PM
Note ***NEW START TIME*** for Friday/Saturday shows!
Where: Altarena Playhouse
1409 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501
This production of “’night, Mother” includes themes of depression, mental illness, and suicide, depicted through frank conversation between characters. The play does not glamorize suicide but presents it as part of one character’s lived experience.
We recognize this subject matter may be difficult or triggering for some audience members. Please care for yourself as needed during and after the performance.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, support is available: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for immediate help. Visit 988lifeline.org for resources. You are not alone.
THE CAST
Billie J. Simmons
Kelly Rinehart
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: ShawnJ West
Stage Manager: Taylor Mendez
Scenic Design/Build: Tom Curtin
Scenic Artisan: Jermey Letheule
Lighting Designer: Stephanie Anne Johnson
Lighting Programmer: MiLisa Coleman
Sound Designer: Alexandria Fakayode
Prop Designer: Jenna Forder
Costumes: ShawnJ West & Katina Psihos
Wardrobe Assistant: Alina Staten