PANICMOM invites us to join her for a clown show. She wasn't expecting to be a mother, let alone a mother of questionable things. A trickster in the room responsible for triggering this dream-logic-crisis (guess who), does so for the sacred duty of flooding the darkest corners of panicmom’s world with light.

She is the title, the character and an archetype. If we can manage to cackle as she flails in panic, mothering herself and her world, then we may just be able to witness the depths in which violence can be internalized and stored. Almost always, at the center of that depth, we find a child.

The one we once were, or the one we plan for. The one we fiercely protect, or the one we failed, silenced or sacrificed. Alas, the mother and child are never separate here. They haunt each other, define each other, and return as each other, because the spirit of a child outlives every attempt to destroy it. 

If you guessed Pan, the Greek god, well done. He’s been rehearsing this entrance for millennia. He’s our main trickster here. He hasn't stopped chasing Syrinx, and she hasn’t stopped running from him. The play explores the many lifetimes a single wound can echo through, the very familiar panic. 

Music was the first art form I ever felt deeply connected to, and even after years of repressing that training, my ear never forgot. PANICMOM is the first opportunity I’ve had to bring that part of my practice forward — collaborating with a group of wild, mischievous musicians to build the show’s sonic world.

This fundraiser makes that collaboration possible. 80% supports artist fees. Our band: a drummer, bass guitarist, violinist and flutist. This fee also includes light designer as well as a production designer. The remaining funds cover the essential technical elements of the show such as light equipment rentals, safe transportation of musical equipment (a whole drum set) and a few materials and props. 

Every contribution directly supports the team of artists creating the world of PANICMOM.

CREDITS

Created and performed and directed by Lianne Elsouki

Live music by:
Emily Duncan on flute
Eric Lichtenstein on bass guitar
Karim Boustany on drums
Lynn Hodeib on violin


DETAILS

January 22nd and 23rd at 7PM
January 24th at 2PM and 7PM

at THE BRICK AUX
628 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

As a part of Exponential Festival 2026!
https://www.theexponentialfestival.org/panicmom 

All donations made to this campaign are tax-deductible. Thank you for your support!