a note from the Director & Playright of
When mental illness appears in small increments by the time it’s diagnosed, it’s almost too late. From the outside, a hoarder’s home looks like any other. It’s only when you cross the threshold that it becomes apparent things have been wrong for a long time. The residents, however, have gotten used to the piles, the paths, and the narrow existence they must live as the walls have literally closed in around them. As Cassie and Kathryn prepare to leave the family home, they must deal with the mountain of mess in front of them but, in doing so, also uncover long held and closely guarded family secrets. It’s not as easy as unearthing the truth. They must come to understand how the other has experienced their mother’s compulsive behavior. When they turn their backs on the house, they strive to do so as sisters united, rather than divided, by their pain.
production team, and designers will be listed in the front of the publication as the originators. Karen Schaeffer, the playwright, visited during the rehearsal process to offer her insights and listen to suggestions from the actors who have lived with the roles over the past several weeks. The goal was to polish the dialogue and stage directions so other theatres can follow a clear map.
"It’s not as easy as unearthing the truth."
Unpacking Mother is an AACT NewPlayFest play which means it was chosen from over 300 entries—one of six performed in the 2021-2022 season in community theatres across America. This is a world premiere and will be published by Dramatic Publishing. Therefore, the actors,
Thanks to Michael Cochran, producer and lightning designer; Mark Toebben, composer; Tom Hansen, set designer; Jerome Veit, technical director; Davin Belt, costume designer; Denise Bristol, assistant director/ stage manager; and the dramaturgy team: Brian Johnson and Dr. Caitlin Powell for valued contributions. However, much of the credit for the polish of the production goes to actors Amber Taylor and Anna Tamaoka, who met via Zoom for tablework prior to rehearsals, strove to completely memorize lines by our first run-through to create an unbreakable stage partnership, and even emptied their own cupboards and closets to enhance the look of the set. Their attention to detail, suggestions for line rewrites, and dedication to the process was exemplary. -
Kathy Pingel, Director
Unpacking Mother took seed after a conversation I had with a friend who was struggling with a family member’s hoarding. Hoping to help her, I started doing research on hoarding and was surprised to learn it’s a severe psychological disorder. I felt hoarding and hoarders were misunderstood and wanted to bring it into the light. So began Unpacking Mother. Along with hoarding, the play deals with abandonment, sibling relationships, being an unwilling caretaker, and mental illness. With Unpacking Mother, my wish was to speak a truth for people who aren’t often seen or heard. I hope I have done this.
Pictured Amber Dawn (Left) holds a picture frame while Anna Tamaoka (Right) looks to Amber during a scene performed for the workshop session.
My sincerest thanks to AACT, Market House Theatre and all the people who championed Unpacking Mother. I truly believe it takes a village to bring a play from page to stage and without all of you I could not do what I do. Much love. - Karen
Schaeffer, Playwright
