In this performance, a mother and a non-mother explore the idea of motherhood. They take a look at ‘other mothers’ – women who deviate from the standard paths of motherhood, because they are perceived as too young, too old, too sexy, too selfless, too adventurous, too independent, or too difficult. Sööt/Zeyringer have researched historical events and every-day situations to uncover hidden realities of otherness in motherhood. Some of the ‘unseemly’ mothers became victims of their circumstances, others could be called monsters, and some were just, well, not all perfect.

Deconstructing found texts and images, Tiina Sööt and Dorothea Zeyringer assemble a collection of mothers who put themselves first; mothers who give too much; mothers who refuse motherhood; mothers who go to space; and mothers who are literally made of shit. This delicate and angry performance dares to speak up about issues like unpaid care work, reproductive injustices, biological concepts of maternal love, and the absence of fathers.

The performance is a part of the program of Tallinn Feminist Forum. More info

SÖÖT/ZEYRINGER is an artist duo that collaborates since 2012 and creates performative work situated at the intersection of visual arts, dance and theatre. Their live performances and video works are based on movement and language which are combined in rhythmical and poetic structures. In their work they try to find poetry, wit and absurdity in everyday acts, language and objects. Their works have been presented at brut Vienna, Tanzquartier Vienna, Sõltumatu Tantsu Lava Tallinn, Schauspiel Köln, Kunstraum Niederoesterreich and National Dance Center Bucharest among others. They received the ImPulsTanz TURBO residency, the Performing Arts Award by the Federal Chancellery of Austria and the Young Stoff award by the Stockholm Fringe.