A Note from the Playwright of Unpacking Mother

Karen Schaeffer, Playwright

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.

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.