The Albany High Theatre Ensemble challenges gender conformity and misogyny in its upcoming production of a student-written played called “HERS: An Explanation of Our Expectations.”
The play’s four-performance run opens at 7 p.m. on Thursday with shows at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.
Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors. The play contains strong language and may not be appropriate for very young audiences.
With the era of the “Me Too” movement as backdrop, the play explores the destructive nature of “gender normative conditioning” – rigid, widely accepted and unchallenged views about gender.
“We explored oppression in relation to gender identify, race, sexual orientation, ability, nationality and class that many of our sisters and comrades face,” said teacher Noelle Gentille, who directs the play with junior Jaiden Hires.
“HERS” was written by students Sivan Adler, Xavier Allen, Zariah Anderson, Lucinda Arambulo, Kayla Carmello, Brandon Cataldo, Aaliyah Dallard, Caroline Dollar, Annabelle Duffy, Jacklyn Flynn, Aangelique Gonzalez, Chanel Grimes, Cleis Hahn, Diamond Hall, Bria Holloman, Jaidyn Hires, Xji-Anne Hudson, Nancy Lundberg, Ella Mirandilla, Mahkai Moore, Perrion Ponzo, Lanita Sanders, Wanda Soto, Breona Thomas, Jen Uzhca, Grace Van Bowen, Naishaly Galan Velez, Samuel Weinstein.
Playwrights worked with local representatives of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI), an international leadership group that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion.
They also were inspired by local activist Barbara Smith, who spoke with and empowered students to share their experiences.
The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and prepare all students for college and career, citizenship and life, in partnership with our diverse community. The district serves approximately 9,300 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.
