During Mother’s Day weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the ‘Of Mothers and Men’ play held at the Wild Project space on the lower East Side of Manhattan. Presented by the Black Latina Movement, the off-Broadway production explored the varying relationships women share with their mothers while also examining the influence their men play in their lives.
Featuring a cast of Black and Latina women, the monologue-driven play took a deep dive into the psychological nuances of parent-child relationships in the homes of Black, Latino, and Caribbean people. The monologues included Mother Like No Other Mother in Theory, Good Man, Mothers Advancement, Mother of 3, 11/11/11, and 7 Months Pregnant and Unsure.
Written and directed by Crystal S. Roman, each monologue took onlookers on an emotional rollercoaster of joy and pain from start to end. I appreciated how the play was created to not only be thought-provoking, but also relatable. Through each woman’s intimate testimony, playgoers were able to connect to the emotions each woman faced—from a heartbroken woman jilted at the altar to an endearing mother/daughter relationship.
Check out our video recap below!
Roman, who founded the Black Latina Movement in 2008, was more than excited to speak to BrownStyle Magazine about her latest project. When asked about the inspiration behind the play, she revealed the production was meant to be a reflection of people’s real-life experiences.
“Black and Brown women need to see ourselves in stories,” the former American Academy of Dramatic Arts student shared about the play that ran from May 7th to 11th. “We should be able to hear our voices on stage. ‘Of Mothers and Men’ is a healing, cathartic, and therapeutic show. I hope everyone gets to see it again!”
Mission accomplished. Those who attended seemed to be quite intrigued by the play. Shortly after the show, I spoke to publicist Janice Torres and she too was moved by the production.
“I cry each time I watch it because we never get to see our stories written by us, directed by us, and performed by us. Every woman is going through something. Storytelling allows us to connect and to say you know what, I am not alone,” she noted. “Thank you to Crystal Shaniece Roman for doing this for us as a community. I am still moved by all the hearts that were poured on the stage.”
To learn more about the Black Latina Movement and the work they are doing to push forward diversity in film, theatre, and media, visit blacklatinamovement.com.
