Fergie Philippe Joins Jessica Hecht in A MOTHER at Baryshnikov Arts
The production will begin performances Saturday, March 29 and run through Sunday, April 13.
By: Stephi Wild Mar. 05, 2025
Baryshnikov Arts will begin its 20th Anniversary Spring Season with A MOTHER, a new play written by Neena Beber and co-conceived by Beber and Jessica Hecht. Fergie Philippe joins the previously announced Hecht, Delilah Napier, Zane Pais, and Portia.
Directed by Maria Mileaf with choreography by Shura Baryshnikov and musical direction by Mustapha Khan, A MOTHER will begin performances Saturday, March 29 and run through Sunday, April 13, with an official press opening on Monday, April 7 at Baryshnikov Arts, 450 W. 37th Street.
“We’re thrilled to launch our 20th Anniversary season with the world premiere of A Mother, a loose retelling of Brecht’s classic play written by Neena Beber and starring our dear friend and acclaimed actress Jessica Hecht. The fabulous creative team began working together on this play in Our Studios during a Baryshnikov Arts residency, so it’s especially exciting to present it here in our intimate theater. We hope audiences will join us for the unparalleled experience of seeing incredible artists just an arm’s length away,” said Mikhail Baryshnikov, Founder and Artistic Director of Baryshnikov Arts.
A MOTHER is a groundbreaking theatrical event that not only pays homage to Bertolt Brecht’s powerful, seldom-performed play, but also breathes new life into it through a contemporary lens. Part documentary, part autobiography, part disco, this production is an evocative and personal journey conceived by long-time collaborators Hecht and Beber. Through a multilayered approach, combining heartfelt storytelling and a soaring blend of disco, gospel, reggae, and Jewish music, led by music director Mustapha Khan, the play creates a visceral experience of loss, resilience, and transformation. The play is set against the vibrant backdrop of 1970s/80s Miami and places the protagonist Jess’ story of first love in the broader historical context of the race riots following Arthur Lee McDuffie’s murder by police officers.
A MOTHER will feature music by Composers Mustapha Khan, William Kenneth Vaughan, and Norman (Skip) Burns with Music Direction by Khan. Set design will be by Neil Patel; costume design by Katherine Roth; and lighting design by Matthew Richards. The show is produced in partnership with producers Lana Russell and Susan Kaplan in association with The Orchard Project, which supported A MOTHER in its labs in 2020.
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