Theatre show explores the monstrosity of motherhood

There's a dark side to motherhood that can still be too taboo to talk about. It's the hidden part which can be lonely, filled with rage and the reality can be monstrous. The is the subject of a new show, Wrest: Unmasking the Thrilling Mystery of Monstrous Motherhood by Red Leap Theatre. The neo-noir crime thriller is centered around a missing woman and an uncanny doppelganger. Kiwi mums and performing artists Ella Becroft and Tor Colombus realised the transformative experience can be deeply distrubing for many women and may not match the pervasive cultural narratives. The project includes physical theatre, contemporary dance and surreal imagery. Ella Becroft spoke to Culture 101 about wanting to showcase the unexpected moments of motherhood and the societal expectations and challenges. Wrest runs from 6-14th June at Q Theatre in Tāmaki Makaurau.