Press Release

Exploring the mental load of motherhood: never.the.less productions presents The Motherload.

Tasmanian mother of two and independent theatre director, Julie Waddington, is no stranger to balancing the mental load. The demands of motherhood seemed to intersect with the challenges she experienced as an independent artist. Waddington’s curiosity, combined with her drive to not be defeated in balancing both of her worlds, sparked the idea behind The Motherload. The Motherload is a creative documentary performance exploring the beauty, grotesque and poetic in the madness and mundane of motherhood. The performance has been in development for several years, led by five collaborating artist mums and in consultation with more than 500 mums across Tasmania and the world.

‘We knew from the very first development in 2018 that the project had a future as the mothers we engaged with were hungry for their voices and stories to be heard,’ said Ms Waddington. ‘The stories mums have shared with us have been heartfelt, heartbreaking, funny, raw and brave and they have told us that engaging in the project has helped them feel less alone, validated and seen.’ The creative team, on and off stage, is comprised of twelve women – ten of them mothers.

In association with Tasmanian Theatre Company, never.the.less productions premiered their theatrical exploration of the mental load of motherhood at Junction Arts Festival in 2021 and is touring Tasmania in 2023. The tour includes George Town, Deloraine and Scottsdale. Local guest ‘contestants’ will participate in each performance, competing for the crown of Ultimate Queen Mumma.

The Motherload tour has been assisted through Arts Tasmania by the Minister for the Arts.

Northern Tour Dates:

Theatre North presenting at:

  • George Town Hall – June 1
  • Meander Valley Performing Arts Centre (Deloraine) – June 2
  • Scottsdale Mechanics’ Institute Hall – June 3

Tickets: mentalthemotherload.com

Photos are provided by photographer, Rebecca Thomson.