WHY WOULD I MISPRONOUNCE MY OWN NAME?
Written & Performed by Irma Herrera
Developed with David Ford
Directed by Rebecca Fisher
Character Development with Julia McNeal
Sound/Lightboard Operator: Lili Zakki & Jacque Bugler
San Francisco | Oct 25, 2018 – Jan 26, 2019
Berkeley | Feb 3 – Mar 23, 2019
“Speaks volumes about the ingrained power structures in American society”–The Mercury News
“Delights us with the oft-tongue-in cheek ways she tells her stories”– The Theatre Eddy
“Irma’s stories mix truth with humor, sadness with joy . . . heartfelt, and spreads the understanding we sorely need today.” – Theatrius Review
“Extremely strong . . . each beat of Herrera’s story is striking and resonant, clearly representative of so much more than just one woman’s story . . . leaves a lasting impact.” – Daily Cal
“So many wonderful touchstones dot the piece throughout, helping to shape each moment of her upbringing . . . reflects beautifully what it means to be American.” – Bay Area Plays
Show Description
What’s in a name? A minefield of misplaced notions – comical, sad, demeaning. Irma’s observations from the front-lines, notes from American history, and laugh-out-loud humor allow us to consider what it will take for all of us to get along.
Artist Biography
When Irma Herrera gives her name its correct Spanish pronunciation, some people assume she’s a foreigner. She’s not. Irma proudly claims her Tejano roots and her Mexican and American identity as well as her native languages: Spanish and English. Irma worked three decades as a San Francisco civil rights lawyer and journalist. Her solo play Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name? sheds light and throws shade on our prejudices and assumptions.