She’s a ceramics-shattering, pleasure-seeking, curiosity-gratifying observer with a quick wit and a sharper tongue” – San Francisco Chronicle
Spanking Machine
Written/Performed by Marga Gomez
Developed in collaboration with Adrian Alea
Lighting Designer/ Operator Alexa Almira
Performed without intermission. 75 minutes
IN-PERSON! The Marsh San Francisco
September 17 – October 23, 2021
Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm
About the Show
In “Spanking Machine’ writer/performer Marga Gomez performs her by turns funny, intense and heart-rending memoir of growing up brown and queer in Washington Heights. Devil Dogs, sadistic nuns on poppers, childhood pranks, assault and suppressed memory play their parts in Marga’s shift across gender, latitudes and generations.
The narrative is propelled by a fraught reunion with her childhood friend Scotty. “His real name was Agamemnon Perez Jr. but he shortened it to “Scotty” because he thought Agamemnon sounded too Cuban.” He was the first boy Marga ever kissed and it made them gay forever.
Proof of vaccination along with valid ID
Face Coverings are required
About the Performer
MARGA GOMEZ is the writer/performer of thirteen solo plays which have been presented, nationally, and internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. Her acting credits include theatre roles: Campo Santos production of “Translating Selena” (January 2020), Off-Broadway Ars Nova production of “Dr. Rides American Beach House” (November 2019), Central Work’s “King of Cuba”by Cristína Garcia (July 2018); television: “Sense8” (Netflix); and film: “Sphere” (Warner Brothers.) NBC named her one of eleven “Out Latinos you should know.”
Since 2015 Gomez has been teaching solo performance workshops in San Francisco at The Kearny Street Workshop, A.C.T and Brava. She now offers online individual performance coaching as well as live-streaming tech tips for solo performers via her website margagomez.com. Marga’s solo theatre career began at The Marsh San Francisco in 1991 and she has developed and premiered several solo plays at both Marsh Venues to this day. She is also the co-winner of “Best Show” at the 2020 MarshStream International Solo Fest.
MANY THANKS
Thank you to all the theaters that have given Spanking Machine a home to grow since 2019 including The Marsh, Brava and Stagewerx. Thank you to the original creative team especially director Adrian Alea, lighting designer Cathie Anderson, Cristina Garcia and videographer Christian Figueroa. Finally huge air hugs to Stephanie Weisman, Alexa Almira and all of The Marsh’s incredible staff, and you, beloved community, for keeping The Marsh and us solo performers standing. It’s great to be back!
Show Info
Tickets: $20 – $35 General Seating sliding scale
$50 & $100 Reserved Seating
Pay What You Can Previews Sept 17th and 18th, 2021
September 17 – October 23, 2021 | The Marsh SF Mainstage
Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm
75 minutes | Ages 17+
*Adult themes and sexual situations, not suitable for ages under 17
For more information on the sliding scale ticketing policy, late seating and reserved seating please click here.
Health, Safety and COVID-19 Information
Our commitment to our patrons
Proof of vaccination along with valid ID
Face Coverings are required