Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most impressive experiences there is. At the same time, it is often associated with fear – fear not only for the child, but also for the loss of one’s own freedom. Because even when mothers can free themselves from the ideas of others, they are confronted with the social structures that determine whether they get the time, money and support they need. Because this external framework usually also determines what kind of mother they can be.

Where do the sometimes rigid social expectations and the unquestioned assessments that mothers are confronted with come from? What is a “good mother” anyway and who gets to decide?

Together with the acting ensemble, Reut Shemesh is developing a new choreography for Theater Oberhausen.