MOTHER
I know you’re not a child anymore, but you’ll always be my child.
And I can’t help it.
I can’t help caring.
Care doesn’t shut off like a faucet.
Once it’s on, it’s on.
Forever and always whether you want it to be or not.
WEATHERING
6W, 1M, 1 CHILD
After experiencing a profound loss, a grieving mother is held close by a spirited circle of family, neighbors, and friends. Surrounded by laughter, tears, and impromptu dance parties, she makes the slow journey through heartbreak, back to herself.
Productions
World Premiere, Penumbra Theatre, St. Paul, 2022: dir. Colette Robert
Press
A buoyant blast of joy… “Weathering,” a world premiere at Penumbra, could be compared to "Steel Magnolias," also a comedy-drama with six women sharing their sorrows and hopes. But "Weathering" is a better play that takes bigger risks and gets laughs from the specifics of Rivers' sharply drawn characters, not punchlines… a hilarious, beautiful, wise work of art.
--Chris Hewitt, Star Tribune
“Weathering” is a fantastic new play. It is deeply moving, supremely smart and quite often hilarious, even as it addresses a terribly sobering issue. Penumbra has indeed blessed the play with a beautiful production and its extraordinary cast seem born into their respective roles… It is utterly beautiful, powerful and – believe me – as gloriously funny as it is profound. Not to be missed.
--Arthur Dorman, talkin’ Broadway
A powerful new play… a humane exploration of loss… full of humor, warmth and so much eloquent truth telling that it will likely prove a valuable experience for anyone.
--Ron Hubbard, recentlyheard.com
Prolific Harrison David Rivers has written another beautiful and relevant story about humans… “Weathering” brings light to the horrifying racial disparity in the area of maternal health in a way that shows us the humanity of those affected. The beautiful writing and performances make these characters feel real and relatable, as we mourn and laugh with them.
--Jill Schafer, Cherry and Spoon