“Nattrass is a big-hearted and fearlessly vulnerable performer whose charm is a great strength of this show. Mothers who’ve believed themselves to be alone in falling short of ideals are this show’s natural audience. Nattrass has given them a gift.”

Kathleen Oliver, Theatre Reviewer, The Georgia Straight

“Nicolle Nattrass’s solo show, Mamahood: Bursting Into Light is
brilliant. She is a wonderful storyteller and fantastic character actor
who nails the serious and comedic characters with ease and gusto. The
topic of the realities of being a new mother are rarely talked about on
stage or in public and that makes this show not only super entertaining
but necessary. You will love the rock n’ roll ride of Mamahood. Do
yourself, and everyone mother you know, a favour and go see this show!”

Tracey Erin Smith, Artistic Director of Toronto’s SOULO Theatre Festival

“I was blessed to have met Nicolle. I have always loved the idea of journaling and understood the mindfulness benefit but pulling the trigger and becoming a “daily journaler” was insurmountable and guilt-ridden for me. Enter Nicolle. Enter the idea that words on a page arranged in horizontal lines is not the only way to journal. Colours. Shapes. Drawings. Repetition. What does a daily expression of self-communication look like to me? Brilliant. Easy. Guilt-free. ”
Rebecca Savoie BSc.

“For many women, their child birth story is not what they had
hoped for or imagined. Viewing Mamahood: Bursting into Light could offer
women (and possibly their supporting partners) an opportunity for
reflection, dialogue and healing. Childbirth is a life-changing
experience. The play offers women an opportunity to access repressed
emotions around their own birth stories in a safe and supportive
atmosphere. For many women this could prove to be a cathartic
experience. “

Kerri Isham,Certified Sexual Health Educator, Power Up Workshops

“The show was amazing! Nicolle’s story is so many
of our stories – that often go untold. I’m still thinking about some of
her words because they resonated so deeply. Best of luck with future
shows! If you get the opportunity to see this performance, grab a ticket
fast!”

Olivia Scobie, Toronto Counselor, Social Worker, Professional Services

“So impressed with Nicolle Nattrass’s solo performance today of her play Mamahood: Bursting into Light. Her courageous sharing of her journey into motherhood, the challenges for her and her partner in new parent-land, and her emergence into herself as a mother is inspiring. I particularly appreciated the language she used: trauma, postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder. Many women have births they are happy with, many women have births that didn’t go the way they wanted, and some women have births that are experienced as a trauma. WE DON’T TALK ABOUT IT– but we should. We should stop telling mothers “all that matters is a healthy baby” and we should start listening to the experiences new mothers are navigating. And we should bring them more casseroles. Thanks for raising your voice Nicolle!”

Sarah Webber Segal, Certified Doula & Family Support, Journey of Birth.

“Nicolle Nattrass, your kind, genuine sparkle was
so alive in this performance. Though my children are beyond babyhood,
sometimes tears came to my eyes as you tenderly reminded me of the
fleeting vulnerabilities and joys of pregnancy and early parenting —
details that tore me up when I was living them but now, somehow, I’d
almost forgotten them. It takes real commitment and passion and inner
beauty to do what you do — thank you for bringing your shining light to
our community.”

“Thank you for your lovely performance. We were
on stage with you, being affirmed in some of those moments and feelings
of motherhood where we thought we were the only ones to brush off the
blues in front of a health nurse or enduring hospital births and feeling
marginalized by (some) health care professionals. Thank you for your
excellent talent and amazing show! Loved the music clips and lighting
effects. Masterful; you have warmed many hearts.”

“I did not know what to expect from your show
tonight, but I was blown away! Your words spoke to so many different
parts of me…Mother, Daughter, Friend….inner child, past and present
shames…it was beautiful, and funny, heartfelt and so raw….Thank you.”

“Thank you so much for a wonderful show! I felt
truly moved and inspired, I also laughed the whole way through. The time
flew by and it felt like we could have talked and shared all night.”

“So good!!! So grateful I went. What an amazing job Nicole did in talking about a hard subject while keeping it funny. Even though I don’t know her, I felt so proud of her.Absolutely wonderful performance. Raw, real and exceptionally funny ”

“I was invited to the run through yesterday and I can tell you it is
everything the reviews say about it, and more. It is an extremely witty,
well performed play that, even if you aren’t a parent, will resonate
with you. There were also the less “funny” moments that reached right in
to my soul. As a mom of four and sharing some of the same experiences
throughout my life as “Marie” -not just pregnancy and childbirth – this
play obviously spoke to me, but, I have to say, there were people there
that don’t even have kids that enjoyed the play as much as I did and
also connected with the many messages this evokes. My friend who wrote
and performs this was invited to bring this to the Soulo Festival in
Toronto and I wanted to let you know, if you can, you should go see
it!!”