"Fierce Love" @ Milagro Theatre

"Fierce Love" is certainly true to its title. This play of short scenes and monologues by six mothers of children with Cerebral Palsy is an epic testament to the kind of love that is born from adversity. At the risk of abusing a phrase, it's about the a kind of love not for the faint of heart. There are scenes of fear, scenes of injustice, frustration, and heartache. But, there are also scenes of triumph, both of parents and children. Most surprising is the humor. The play is structured as sort of a collage, with the troupe of six actresses playing multiple roles, it is quite an ambitious undertaking.

The play was produced by Well Arts, which focuses on bringing stories from under-represented groups to the stage, and I must take a moment to say what a wonderful concept that is.

If I were to name the unifying theme of the pieces--beyond love--it would be how these mothers have each journeyed to find ways to see their children for who they are. Whether it be suddenly making a simple yet profound connection with a child who has severe communication difficulties, or realizing that the baby you love hasn't changed just because he now has a scary-sounding diagnosis.

"Fierce Love" has a bit of everything: comedy, tragedy--a mother has a conversation with her uterus, I mean, where else are you going to find that? This show is worth your time whether or not you have any experience with disabilities--perhaps even more so if you don't. Why? Because it will change the way you see disability when you encounter it. These women tell their stories not in a plea for sympathy, but for simple understanding, and as with all great art, these stories make you see things in a new way.

"Fierce Love" 
Written by Ann Connor-Griffin, Susan Cushman, Danae Davison, Michelle Haines, Jennifer Peterson, Nicole Silverman

Facilitated and Directed by Erica Terpening-Romeo and Heath Hyun Houghton

Featuring:

 
Arlena Barnes
Zoë Rudman 
Diana Schultz 
Jeanette Swafford 
Chelsie Thomas
Sumi Wu

Performance Dates
Tuesday, March 17, 7:30pm
Saturday, March 21, 2pm
Wednesday, March 25, 7:30pm
Saturday, March 28, 2pm
Saturday, April 4, 2pm
Cost: $10 general admission, $5 students/seniors

Performance Venue
Milagro Theatre
525 SE Stark
Portland, OR 97214

https://www.boxofficetickets.com/go/event?id=297803