The Mothers of Ludlow, a world premiere musical drama July 16, 2010

July 16, 17, 23, 24 at 7:30 pm, July 18, 25 at 2 pm

For the first time, YMTC is mounting a world premiere, The Mothers of Ludlow. This poignant and beautiful musical drama brings to life the events leading up to the massacre of the striking coal miners and their families at Ludlow, Colorado in 1914. Written by renowned composer and playwright team, Paul and Martha Boesing, directed by Jennifer Boesing, with musical direction by Dave Moeschler.

Seen largely through the eyes of the women, The Mothers of Ludlow is a story of desperate times, racial tension, courage and love. It promises to be unlike any other theater experience offered to Bay Area audiences this summer.

Students will work directly with the composer and playwright as they bring to life this fictionalized account of one of history's most dramatic confrontations between business owners and workers. The Ludlow strike and the subsequent deaths of the miners and their families became a rallying point for the United Mine Workers of America. The massacre captured the attention of some of the 20th century's most influential left-leaning thinkers, inspiring a novel by Upton Sinclair, theses by Howard Zinn and George McGovern, and a tragic lament by Woody Guthrie.

The composer and playwright have had their work produced by professional theaters across the country. In February 2010, Martha Boesing wrote and directed the musical Sylvia's Advice on How to Age Gracefully on the Planet Denial, performed to sold-out audiences at Berkeley's Ashby Stage.

In July, The Mothers of Ludlow will be included in San Francisco's LABORFEST, a month-long celebration of the history and culture of working people. On Sunday July 18th, YMTC will also be holding a post-matinee forum at the Julia Morgan Theater. Two local labor historians who are experts on the subject of the Ludlow strike and massacre will lead an open discussion between the audience and the writers, directors, and members of the cast.

Official Website: http://www.ymtcberkeley.org