Written and performed by Kim Wildborne, Mother Tree is an honest and raw exploration of the challenges and intricacies of motherhood. Using the concept of mother trees – the oldest tree in the forest that communicates and provides resources to seedlings – Wilborne examines the most unique of human connections and what it means to be a mother.
Wildborne is dynamic, powerful, and skilful in her performance, combining poetry, aerial silks, and physicality with humour and heart to create a truly encompassing performance. She effortlessly switches between dramatic, cataclysmic moments of mind-numbing frustration and the small, intimate, innocent moments shared between mother and child in the early hours. She explores both the transactional and emotional side of this relationship, and leaves no uncomfortable stone unturned.
As Wildborne takes us on her journey of sleepless nights and endless cries, the piece becomes gradually more unsettling as the twisting and contorting shapes she creates in the air echo the desperation and hopelessness that she felt. It is as though we are watching the life gradually drain from her, and her portrayal of this is as uncomfortable as it is impressive. We watch as she tosses and turns in the air with incredible skill, creating striking visuals with her seamless movements.
Unfortunately, at times, the piece itself did not flow as seamlessly as Wildborne’s aerial movements. Whilst it is a series of well-crafted scenes brimming with emotional and potential, it is merely the placement of them that lets them down. It perfectly portrays Wildborne’s disorientation as she stumbles through the early days of new motherhood, however, it does feel as though the piece is stopping and starting, with the scenes feeling disconnected from one another and generating an overall feeling that the piece is somewhat disjointed.
This does nothing, however, to take away from what Wildborne has achieved with Mother Tree. It remains an empowering and genuine take on motherhood that is equally hopeful and despondent. It exposes the highs and lows of motherhood that rarely get spoken about, and Wildborne does so with humour and grace. Overall, it is equally hilarious, inspiring, and heartfelt; and is bound to strike a chord with new and experienced mothers alike.
MOTHER TREE runs at Waterside Arts, Sale.
Megan Hyland is a full-time domestic abuse charity worker; part-time entertainment reviewer; and professional over-achiever. Currently one of ten writers chosen for Northern Broadsides’ Young Writers Forge, you can read more of her review writing at UpstagedManchester, The Custard TV and her blog The Manchester Maverick.
Social Profiles