In the short and sweet comedy special Mommy Shark, Genevieve Jones tackles her inner fears about motherhood, modern dating culture, and how her baby shark entered this world.
IÂ wanted to write about my search for strength and I partnered this with sharks because I am very afraid of them..
We learn more in this Q&A with creator and performer Genevieve Jones.
Mommy Shark plays at Neptune Theatre’s Imperial Studio on September 1-4. Visit tickethalifax.com for tickets and information.
This interview has been edited.
Tell us about Mommy Shark. What can audiences expect?
Mommy Shark is something that quite aggressively plopped its way out of me one day. It just plopped onto the page, just like that. As it grew, I discovered that it’s about confronting fears and navigating my journey in single motherhood. Sometimes that looks like being judged, sometimes it looks like paying bills, and other times it’s dancing around in my kitchen in my underwear.
Audiences can expect a simple, honest and personal delivery in an intimate setting. There will be blood and lots of shark references.
What was the inspiration for Mommy Shark?
I think it’s safe to say that my fearless daughter inspired the show. She calls upon places in me that require strength and lots of it. I wanted to write about my search for strength, and I partnered this with sharks because I am very afraid of them. I also knew I’d have to dive into my childhood, so the ’90s references also inspired the show. There is some ’90s nostalgia that comes through and adds flavour.
Why this particular show now?
Being a parent deserves relief. Always. If I can offer something to mothers and parents that help them relate, especially after coming out of lengthy lockdown periods, I feel like maybe we can all feel a little less alone.
What do you hope audiences leave Mommy Shark talking about?
Where they came from and where they’re headed. Also Titanic.
Why should someone come to see Mommy Shark?
People should come to see Mommy Shark to lend an ear to some raw truths and hopefully laugh a bit along the way. I take the audience with me and call upon them at moments. It’s a team effort here, folx. It takes a village.
Mommy Shark plays at Neptune Theatre’s Imperial Studio on September 2-4. Visit tickethalifax.com for tickets and information.
The Halifax Fringe Festival returns to live in-person performances from September 1 through September 11, with more than 55 productions taking place at venues across the downtown and North End neighbourhoods.