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Oracle Productions to Present THE MOTHER, 1/23-3/1

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Oracle Productions proudly announces the remount of THE MOTHER by Bertolt Brecht, which opens Season 4 of Public Access Theatre. Less than one year ago, the company's original production of this activist musical was Jeff Recommended, and featured a world premiere score composed by Jonathan Guillen. Artistic Director Max Truax restages the piece with the original cast including Katherine Keberlein starring in the title role. THE MOTHER opens January 23, 2014, and runs through March 1, 2014 at Oracle Theatre (3809 N Broadway in Chicago). Performances are Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday nights at 8PM; Sundays at 7PM. There are 2 benefit performances during the run to support Public Access Theatre. For a full performance schedule, visit publicaccesstheatre.org. Press are invited to attend on January 23, 2014 - or any night during the run.

Admission to THE MOTHER is free in Oracle's Public Access Theatre. Seats are sponsored by The Forty 4, a growing population of individuals and local businesses committed to making free art for all. Major donors include: the Law Offices of Salvi, Shostock & Pritchard, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation, Ronald A. Greene Memorial Fund at The Chicago Community Trust, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, The Lawrence E. Glick Family Foundation. Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made at publicaccesstheatre.org.

THE MOTHER was originally written in 1930 as a Lehrstücke, or learning play, with the intent of educating the German people about the values of Marxism. Set during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, THE MOTHER tells the story of Pelagea Vlassova, a widow whose only son is embroiled in dangerous political activities. Her desire to protect him draws her deep into a growing labor movement, which ultimately leads her to both catastrophe and triumph. Oracle Theatre holds its lens to Brecht's notion of how a common cause unites people to overcome any kind of obstacle, be it personal, economic, or political. Guillen's music transforms Brecht's socialist poetry into an anthemic call to action, while Truax's staging draws the audience into Brecht's conflict, placing them at the very feet of the revolution.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Long-Running Broadway Show - Top 3
1. Hadestown
20.3% of votes
2. Hamilton
16.7% of votes
3. Wicked
11.3% of votes

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