Discover the Timelessness of My Mother Said Never Should

My Mother Said Never Should is a modern play that has stood the test of time, captivating audiences with its poignant storytelling and relatable characters. This article delves into the essence and significance of this exceptional play that has resonated with theater enthusiasts for decades.

An Overview of My Mother Said Never Should

Written by Charlotte Keatley, My Mother Said Never Should was first performed in 1987 and has since been hailed as a groundbreaking work of contemporary drama. The play delves into the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, exploring themes of gender, identity, and the sacrifices we make for our loved ones.

Set in Manchester, England, the play spans four generations of women: Doris, Margaret, Jackie, and Rosie. Each character is from a different decade and faces unique challenges in their pursuit of happiness and fulfillment.

My Mother Said I Never Should (Modern Plays)

by Charlotte Keatley (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	808 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	115 pages

FREE

The Relevance of My Mother Said Never Should

Despite being written over three decades ago, My Mother Said Never Should remains as relevant today as it was back then. The play tackles issues that are universal and timeless. By exploring the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships, it offers profound insights into the human condition and the complexities of family dynamics.

The play sheds light on the societal expectations placed on women in different eras and how these pressures can affect their choices and aspirations. It touches upon themes of women's rights, the struggle for independence, and the balancing act between personal fulfillment and societal norms.

The Characters: Endearing and Relatable

The success of My Mother Said Never Should lies in its rich and relatable characters. Each woman is distinct in her personality, aspirations, and struggles. Doris, the matriarch, represents the struggles faced by women of her generation who were limited by societal expectations.

Margaret, Doris' daughter, embodies the conflict between personal ambitions and motherhood. Jackie, Margaret's daughter, breaks stereotypes by pursuing a career in art and challenging patriarchal conventions. Finally, Rosie symbolizes the hopes and dreams of a new generation, free from previous constraints.

Award-Winning Success

My Mother Said Never Should has received numerous accolades and critical acclaim since its inception. It has garnered awards such as the Manchester Evening News Theatre Award for Best New Play and the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize.

The play's success can be attributed to its powerful narrative, thought-provoking dialogue, and the emotional depth of its characters. It continues to be performed all over the world, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact.

Embracing Change and Challenging Tradition

My Mother Said Never Should challenges the traditional expectations of motherhood and questions the societal norms surrounding women's roles. Through its evocative storytelling, it encourages audiences to reflect on their own relationships and the influence of societal expectations on their lives.

The play's universality is its strength, as it transcends time and cultural boundaries, allowing audiences from different backgrounds to connect with its themes and characters. By confronting the challenges faced by women of different generations, it sparks conversations about gender equality and the importance of individual agency.

A Modern Classic

My Mother Said Never Should is a modern classic that defies the constraints of time. Its ability to resonate with audiences across generations speaks volumes about its enduring relevance and powerful narrative. The play's exploration of mother-daughter relationships transcends time and continues to captivate theater-goers worldwide.

Whether you are a theater enthusiast or someone interested in thought-provoking storytelling, My Mother Said Never Should is a must-see play that offers profound insights into the complexities of family dynamics, female empowerment, and the pursuit of one's dreams.

My Mother Said I Never Should (Modern Plays)

by Charlotte Keatley (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	808 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	115 pages

FREE

I don't know if you'll ever love me as much as I love you, but one day you'll understand why I've done this to you.

Doris, born illegitimate in 1900, exchanges her budding teaching career for marriage and motherhood. When the war is over, her daughter Margaret marries an American and has Jackie, who becomes an archetypal 60s rebel. When Jackie can't face being a single mother, it is decided that baby Rosie will be brought up as Margaret's own. That's the plan anyway . . .

Charlotte Keatley's award-winning play is a moving exploration of the relationships between mothers and daughters, and the consequences of breaking the most sacred taboo of motherhood. My Mother Said I Never Should is about the choices we make which determine the course of our lives and how it is never too late to change.

This edition was published to coincide with the revival of the play at the St James Theatre, London, in 2016, starring Maureen Lipman and Katie Brayben.