May 16, 2022
Dear Beth Emet Member,
“Motherland” is the new play I’ve adapted with Illinois Author of the Year Fern Schumer Chapman from Fern’s award-winning book. “Motherland” will be online for only May 23, 24, 25, 26.
Beth Emet has fostered my creativity in many ways, including allowing me to make presentations for the congregation of my previous plays and musicals “American Klezmer” and “Safe Harbor.” (I have had the privilege of collaborating on “Motherland” while preparing with other honored Beth Emet members for our Kabbalat Mitzvah that took place in February. This preparation has only encouraged creativity.)
For me, whether working on a serious drama or a musical comedy, the process of playwriting lifts me out of myself and into what some have called “the flow.”
Collaborating with Fern Schumer Chapman has been an opportunity to get into the creative flow of a true post-Holocaust drama. Fern and I have strived to capture intense and poignant moments as mother and daughter confront and ultimately connect with the people in the small German town the mother had fled as a child. “Motherland” also explores the complicated relationship between a mother who is haunted by her past and her daughter who yearns to discover her own identity.
“Motherland,” online May 23-26, with a fine cast that includes Beth Emet member Iris Lieberman, will also benefit the Chicago Writers’ Bloc play development 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, which has helped to bring many new plays to the Chicago area and beyond for the past thirty years. Part of the pleasure of creativity is supporting creativity in others.
Purchase tickets at $10.00 to view “Motherland” online on either May 23, 24, 25 or 26 at times to accommodate the U.S. and international audience, and to benefit the not-for-profit (501) (c) (3) Chicago Writers’ Bloc.
See more information about “Motherland” and the other plays in the Chicago Writers’ Bloc New Plays Festival.
Thank you for contributing to creativity
Joanne Barbara Koch
Beth Emet has so many amazing members, each offering unique talents to the greater community. Share your news with all of us so we can both celebrate and get to know one another a bit better…. Especially during these (mostly) virtual times. Send your news to Bekki Kaplan, and if possible, please include a photo!
