Motherland

by Lisa Kenner Grissom

2020 Finalist, Jewish Plays Project National Tour

MOTHERLAND is a generational family drama that follows Lizzie, who, after being away for several years following her father's death, returns home to recoup from a nervous breakdown. Lizzie believes she will be getting some R&R, but instead her aging Russian grandmother is anxious to share memories and asks Lizzie to help her “remember.” Meanwhile, her mother has...

2020 Finalist, Jewish Plays Project National Tour

MOTHERLAND is a generational family drama that follows Lizzie, who, after being away for several years following her father's death, returns home to recoup from a nervous breakdown. Lizzie believes she will be getting some R&R, but instead her aging Russian grandmother is anxious to share memories and asks Lizzie to help her “remember.” Meanwhile, her mother has struck up a friendship with Lizzie's former high school boyfriend, who moved back home as he deals with a divorce. Caught between her family's past and her uncertain future, Lizzie discovers secrets about her mother and grandmother, which force her to turn the mirror on herself.

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Motherland

Recommended by

  • Jewish Plays Project: Motherland by Lisa Kenner Grissom
    “

    Lisa’s play garnered a lot of interest when we first saw it in 2014 (it was even a Semi-Finalist that year!). She’s gone back, workshopped, revised, and totally nailed it. I love when that happens.

    Lisa’s play garnered a lot of interest when we first saw it in 2014 (it was even a Semi-Finalist that year!). She’s gone back, workshopped, revised, and totally nailed it. I love when that happens.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: Motherland by Lisa Kenner Grissom
    “

    A powerful and captivating play about memories, reclaiming identity and moving forward after mental illness. Touching and beautifully done.

    A powerful and captivating play about memories, reclaiming identity and moving forward after mental illness. Touching and beautifully done.

    ”
  • Donna Hoke: Motherland by Lisa Kenner Grissom
    “

    Strong roles for women in a strong generational play about inherited trauma and how we process it when all we want to do is run from it.

    Strong roles for women in a strong generational play about inherited trauma and how we process it when all we want to do is run from it.

    ”
View all 11 recommendations

Development History

  • Workshop, Whittier College, 2014
  • Reading, Whittier College, 2014
  • Reading, Circle Readings, Los Angeles, 2013

Awards

  • Bechdel Festival
    The Bridge Initiative
    Finalist
    2019
  • Jewish Plays Project
    Jewish Plays Project
    Semi-Finalist
    2014
  • Princess Grace Playwriting Award
    Princess Grace Foundation
    Semi-Finalist
    2014