“Purposeful and heart wrenching,” “emotionally charged,” “food for the soul” – audiences at VAULT Festival have been quick to praise Karen Bartholomew’s drama about the realities of adoption reunion, Giving Up Marty. Take a look at what they’re saying then book your tickets!
The Motormouse Productions show ran until 12 March at Vault Festival.
“Don’t you want to find your birth mother?”
“It’s history, what’s the point of raking up the past?”
But what if the past comes to you?
Until now he’s just known Mum, Dad and his sister. Life is safe, settled and secure. Yes, he’s been curious about his origins but no more than that. As he turns eighteen, much to everyone’s surprise, it’s Martha, his birth mother and Melissa, his birth sister who come looking for him. The events that follow, leave Joel embroiled in a family history, that changes his life and identity forever.
There’s long been a fascination with blood ties and those broken, reunited and reshaped. Adoption reunion is epic and complex in nature and never easy, but it’s this unease that needs to be heard.
Giving up Marty production gallery
Though the VAULT Festival season marked the premiere of Giving Up Marty, the piece has received workshops and rehearsed readings at Coram, Paines Plough and Soho Theatre. It has also received funding support from Arts Council England.
The festival may now be over, but you can still purchase the play text of Giving Up Marty from Wordsmithery. You can also contact Motormouse productions for more information about adoption talks, identity workshops and more.
Review highlights – Giving up Marty
“Bartholomew’s writing is filled with dark humour.”
What’s being said about Giving Up Marty on Twitter?
Loved being at the opening night of this new play about adoption reunion last night. Went with a group of 7 amazing #adoptees 💕🙏💕 Go & see it if you can! My review is coming soon 🖊 well done @motormouseuk https://t.co/aj9gdAACpD
— howtobeadopted (@howtobeadopted) March 11, 2020
@motormouseuk @VaultsFest Saw giving up Marty last night- it was emotionally charged, engaging and showed adoption from every perspective. Highly recommend! It’s playing at the Vaults festival this week so don’t miss this! Tickets: https://t.co/JQHhT5KVUQ
— Sabrina F (@fancysabi) March 11, 2020
BRAVA to @AlexisLeighton as the adoptive mother and all members of a great cast of @motormouseuk Giving Up Marty Really worth catching at @VAULTFestival
— MRS SHAW HERSELF (@MrsShawHerself) March 11, 2020
Great & food for the soul eve with the gorgeous @HelenOakwater & watching the powerful & impactful play giving up Marty @motormouseuk plus some fab art on the way pic.twitter.com/gN3dWgQy1a
— Dr Karen Treisman (@dr_treisman) March 10, 2020
