Motherline kicks of fall theatre season

by Rosie Lukanc
For The Post

Motherline, the Ohio University School of Theatre’s new play, officially will kick off its fall season Friday. Chantal Bilodeau, an Ohio University School of Theatre graduate and M.F.A student in OU's school of film wrote the play.

Bilodeau has been developing Motherline since the summer of 2000 here at Ohio University, but she says its beginnings go much further back.

Bilodeau said the theme of Motherline comes from the idea that seeds represent individual women. When the seeds are lined up, they create a "motherline," with mothers giving birth to daughters who go on to become mothers.

The play is about what it takes to make a loving family. It explores adoption, abusive parents, the nuclear and the not-so-nuclear family.

The Play's focal point is Claire, played by OU graduate student Leanne Robinson. Claire is an unborn child who wants Holly, played by graduate student Dana LaRue, to be her mother.

"It's really about the importance of motherhood.," said David Valentine, a sophomore who plays Moss, a troubled classic bassist.

"For a few years I've been trying to write plays on why women chose to have babies, but always from the mother's perspective," Bilodeau said. "This time I decided to shift to the perspective of the unborn child."

OU associate professor William Fisher, the play's director, said the positive nature and humor of the play make it more than just a drama.

"It's really an enjoyable play," he said.

Fisher said that it is the School of Theatre's mission to develop new plays like Bilodeau's for the future of professional theatre.

Running time for Motherline is approximately two hours. Previews are Oct. 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. in Elizabeth Evans Baker Theatre in Kanter Hall, College St. Opening night is Friday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $7 for students and seniors, $9 for regular admission.