Sage Theatre is about to “inspire and nurture the next generation of theatre artists” again with its annual festival Ignite running from June 11th to 13th. Pam Rocker is one of those next generations of theatre artists, bringing us Heterophobia, a momentous production that gives the audience something to think about.
Imagine a world where everything you know is reversed. Gay is the norm; in fact it has always been the model of human relationships. This is the world in which Grant, the main character, lives. After an arduous break-up, Grant comes home to visit her two Moms’. “As she struggles to hold on to her hidden desires, her Moms woo her with waffles, clean underwear, and the prospect of settling down and being artificially inseminated.” Grant is at the point of truth: should she reveal who she really is?
Rocker is one of Canada’s newer citizens. Originally from Texas, she has been in Alberta for the last nine years. She is a graduate of Lucia Frangione’s playwriting Intensive and “Act One”, a Los Angeles based program specializing in screenwriting and writing for television. She is an exceptional individual that, according to her bio, is “passionate about challenging prejudice, celebrating diversity, and telling stories in non-prescript ways.” This is Pam’s first major production that is not self produced, and is the one that she is most excited about.
Heterophobia has been on Rocker’s docket for four years. While studying with Lucia Fragione, the foundation of the play was being established in her mind. It wasn’t until it was time to produce her final project for the course that Pam began developing the world that is now Heterophobia. What began as a one-act play became a headlining production for the Ignite Festival.
Rocker believes that now is the time for her to put out such a personal production; her previous writing was always more conservative, but Pam believes it is her time to follow what is in her heart. “Everyone has their own voice, and are free to use it as they wish. Heterophobia is my voice.”
The production is a human story about real people. It is a creation of a parallel universe in which being gay is the norm, while being straight is the deviance. The story is comedic, with a message that is imperative to understanding why we think the way we do, and the repercussions it has.
Rocker invites you to come to Heterophobia with an open mind, and a willingness to laugh. “The cast is open and lovely, hardworking. They all come from different backgrounds and belief systems. It is inspiring. They make the words a story. I feel blessed.” She wants you to learn about yourself and others in a non-threatening way, and this is a story to connect with.
Sage Theatre’s Ignite Festival runs from June 10th to 13th.
