“Morality and its victim, the mother – what a terrible picture! Is there indeed anything more terrible, more criminal, than our glorified sacred function of motherhood.” -Emma Goldman
“In a Harvard study of over 170 countries, the United States was one of only four nations without any form of paid leave for new mothers.” -found on Momsrising.org
“Maternity is on the face of an unsociable experience. The selfishness that a woman has learned to stifle or to dissemble where she alone is concerned, blooms freely and unashamed on behalf of her offspring.” – Emily James Putnam
“We know that birth takes a woman from one place in her life to another. The birth of a child certainly does change her viewpoint of herself and I believe her viewpoint of the world.” -Sameerah Shareef
“In the US, mothers earn less than everyone. Non-mothers earn 90 cents to a man’s dollar while married mothers earn 73 cents to a man’s dollar. Mothers who are nonmarried earn about 60 cents to a man’s dollar” -found on Momsrising.org
The play Running:AMOK addresses social issues regarding postpartum depression, the role of mothers in the workplace, and the life challenges that impact mothers, particularly new mothers, who are also breadwinners in their home– whether they are single, married or living with family members. Using music, insightful dialogue and comedic intervention to engage the audience, Running: AMOK highlights the importance of support networks for mothers, the need for women to find their personal voice despite their new roles as caregivers and the role work discrimination plays against pregnant women. The play seeks to challenge the audience to continue (or begin) the conversation about equity rights and the revolutionary role of motherhood in our society.
Khadijah Ali-Coleman, the writer of Running: AMOK, is a vocal supporter of the work of advocacy groups such as www.MomsRising.org that lead grassroots action toward having the needs of mothers heard and supported by US legislators. She has used data compiled by groups like www.MomsRising.org to speak nationally about creating spaces of equity for mothers and families– for, when mothers are supported and protected, then children thrive and develop in a healthy way.
The video below, “Motherhood is Revolutionary” speaks to transforming role of motherhood and how mothers in our workforce are treated– whether they are artists, administrators, blue collar workers or health profesionals.
Running: AMOK was written in 2009 by performance artist Khadijah Ali-Coleman who wanted to bring to stage a story about the dirty and ugly of becoming a new mother, mixed in with the beautiful enlightenment that comes from chance meetings with kindred spirits. Partnering with musician Gary Young, Khadijah wrote lyrics and brought to Gary arrangements that he magically created beautiful accompaniment for. In 2010, the play opened in the 5th annual Capital Fringe Fest and enjoyed attendance from some of Washington DC's movers & shakers. In 2011, with the support of The DC Black Theatre Festival's founder Glenn Alan, and supportive sponsors like Onli Studios,TGAP, Thomas & Valarie Ashley and Karen Minors, Running: AMOK returns with an incredible cast of amazing singers & actresses and a new band performing during four of the five Spring season shows. Contact us at LiberatedMuseProductions@gmail for all booking information.
Running: AMOK-- THE PLAY 