Next week marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 disaster. In honor of this anniversary, I am debuting my new play My Child: Mothers of War with a very special staged reading assisted by an incredible award-winning cast including Shohreh Aghdashloo, Frances Fisher, Melina Kanakaredes, Elizabeth Pena, Lainie Kazan, Mimi Rogers, Jean Smart and Lynn Whitfield. These amazing award-winning actresses are joining me in honoring our American soldiers on the anniversary of 9/11, by powerfully communicating their mothers intimate thoughts and feelings on sending them to war.
The reading is co-produced by Katselas Theatre Company in association with Human Revolution Entertainment and will benefit the Fisher House Foundation, an organization that supports families of injured vets.
My Child: Mothers of War is based on my documentary of the same name which has been airing on PBS stations across the country. The play, like the film, takes an honest look into the lives of American mothers who have dealt with sending their sons to war through their own words. Each monologue is a true account; each represents very different opinions about war, politics, social and cultural issues. Despite these strong differences, as mothers they all share a limitless love for their children -- children who have been killed, maimed, and are in daily peril of their lives or have the courage to refuse service.
The stories told on stage are taken from mothers very willing to share their lives, hopes, dreams, fears and pain for their soldiers in order to preserve their child's legacy. The ramifications of the war are discussed powerfully, but in a context that focuses on our shared humanity.
Why focus only on the mother's perspective? Because there is something sacred about a mother speaking about her child. Military mothers have a strong voice and a compassionate heart. Politics of war can split a country into pieces. A mother's love for her child can unite us all, if even for a moment. That is what lies at the core of this play. The point is not to argue the politics but to listen to a mother's heart. My vision is for all of us to listen without judgment and not forget one of the most basic, humanizing facts of war -- every soldier has a mother.
Through the staged reading on this special weekend we hope to honor the men and women who have given their lives for this country by not forgetting their names. Their mothers will make sure of that! I feel so honored that they have allowed me to have been part of their lives.
If you are in Los Angeles on September 10 & 11, I hope you will join us in what promises to be two exceptionally powerful evenings of emotional exploration and entertainment as the mother's of our soldiers own thoughts and words are brought to life by these very special actresses.
For show times and ticket information visit https://katselas.secure.force.com/ticket or call the Katselas Ticket Line at 702-582-8587