The University of Redlands Theatre Arts Department presents
Native Gardens
By Karen Zacarías
Directed by Gabriel Rodriguez
October 15th & 16th @ 7:30pm
October 17th @ 2:00pm
Director's Note:
It's a crazy time to be watching theatre, isn't it? First off, I want to thank you for supporting the theatre by purchasing a ticket to tonight’s show, & secondly, I want to thank you for helping to keep my actors safe by wearing your mask throughout the entirety of this production!
Now you may be wondering who am I that gets this full page towards the front of the program? And what qualifies me to be working with these actors on this wonderful show…
Well, my full name is Gabriel Pedro Rodriguez. A very Mexican name, I know. I am a Senior Theatre Business Major here at Redlands with a double Minor in Race & Ethnic Studies, and Latin American Studies. Growing up I’ve always been white passing, and that’s allowed me to inhabit almost any space without prejudice. It allows me to be a fly on the wall when I want to, but it also allows me to advocate for those who may be underrepresented in arts & academia.
I’ve worked in theatre for over a decade from actor to stage manager, to designer, to director, to teacher… My desire to create more equitable and inclusive spaces in the Arts led me to start a nonprofit called The Diverse Theatre Initiative (The DTI), and I’ve been acting as its Executive Director ever since.
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When I was offered the opportunity to direct a mainstage show over a year and a half ago (pre-covid shutdowns) I knew I had to make it count… I knew it couldn’t be a run of the mill story about why we should embrace diversity…
As we closed out another one of the most divisive elections of our time, Native Gardens offered a nuanced look at the racism, borders, immigration, and what it means to be “American” and the challenges that come with “following the American dream.”
In putting up this show, I want a community that has long been underrepresented to feel welcomed and wanted in our audience–be it in person or online. I want you, no matter how you may have entered this space, to leave with a fresh perspective. You should leave the show knowing that we will continue to actively include diversity on the Redlands Stage.
If you want to keep up with me, or the advocacy work I do in the performance space, feel free to visit TheDTI.org or listen to our podcast by typing “On The Road To Joy & Freedom” wherever you listen to podcasts.
Lastly, I’d like to give a special thank you to those who’ve supported me in my theatrical career for a long time: My Parents, My Partner, My Grandparents, Nina, and Uncle Juan… from a little carnival clown in 6th grade to a mainstage director @ Redlands, I would not be the Man I am today without your love and support.
Cheers,
Gabriel P. Rodriguez