World Premiere of A MOTHER – new play by Neena Beber, starring Jessica Hecht, Fergie Philippe

A MOTHER, a groundbreaking new play with original songs, is the story of first love, first grief, and theater camp. Set in Miami Beach circa 1980, Jessica Hecht weaves together teenage memories of her boyfriend Daryl, played by Fergie L. Philippe, as they disco dance away the last two weeks of the 1970s just as racial tensions in Miami rise. Jessica simultaneously steps into Brecht’s banned play The Mother, taking on the role of a woman who becomes an activist through the revolutionary work of her son. An unforgettable ride through layers of memory and invention. Will there be singing in dark times? Yes, there will be singing. About the dark times. And… there will also be disco dancing, water ballet, and chicken soup.

A MOTHER runs for 16-shows from March 29 – April 13, 2025 at Baryshnikov Arts, located at 450 W. 37th Street in NYC.

Written by Neena Beber

Co-conceived by Neena Beber and Jessica Hecht

Featuring Jessica Hecht, Delilah Napier, Zane Pais, Fergie Philippe, and Portia

Directed by Maria Mileaf

Choreographed by Shura Baryshnikov

Music by Mustapha Khan, William Kenneth Vaughan, and Norman “Skip” Burns