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Note from the Director
Richard A. Mosqueda, DirectorPronouns: He/She/They
Photography by Lorenz Angelo
My first exposure to Hedwig was during a High School English Class. We were reading Aristophane's Speech in Plato's "The Symposium." After we finished reading, my teacher rolled out a squeaky TV/VCR combo, pressed the play button and a soaring rock song sprang from the speakers. She explained that this was a scene from a movie called "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." A crudely drawn animation played on the screen detailing a story about the origin of humans, originally three genders, who were once attached and then separated, now looking for the other half. An androgynous blonde bombshell appeared on teh screen wailing to the heavens. I was glued to the television. And as a deeply closeted queer kid, I felt seen, if only for a moment.
Cut to one year ago Patrick Dooley called me and asked me what I thought about directing Hedwig for Shotgun Players: "What would your Hedwig look like?" I paused and considered the question for a moment. The memory of watching the scene from "Hedwig" in high school came rushing back. I blurted out, "I'm not sure what it would look like, but I know what it would smell like?" which I'm sure made Patrick jump right out of his chair. "It would smell like an armpit." There was silence on the other end. I continued, "this Hedwig takes place in a seedy dive bar in Berkeley." To my delight, Patrick and the Shotgun team have welcomed my wild ideas with open arms.
I am indebted to this brilliant team of passionate and talented actors, designers, musicians, and artists who have made this show come to life. I invite you to laugh, cry, rock out, and be present with us. Here's to all the strange rock and rollers: this one's for you.
