Hedwig and the Angry Inch is one of our most significant productions to date. This revival, first staged when our company was founded, comes at a pivotal moment as we celebrate 15 years of pioneering queer theatre in Baltimore. Even more notably, it features our first all-Equity cast—an important milestone in our journey toward becoming an Equity theatre and a crucial step in addressing Baltimore’s fractured theatrical ecosystem by filling the long-missing mid-sized theatre space. But more than just a revival, this production is a reclamation—an affirmation of queer and trans narratives, an expansive exploration of gender, and a powerful reminder that theatre has always championed those who have long lived on the margins.

From its inception, Hedwig has defied conventional ideas of gender and identity. In our production, we honor the authors’ vision while ensuring its themes remain urgent and resonant in today’s socio-political climate. As LGBTQ+ rights, particularly trans rights, face mounting threats, theatre must not only reflect but also resist—offering a space of sanctuary, defiance, and celebration.

John Cameron Mitchell has been clear: Hedwig is not a trans woman. And yet for us, Hedwig’s narrative parallels the trans experience—one that rejects rigid binaries and embraces the fluidity of self-definition. Mitchell describes Hedwig as a persona born from trauma, a response to a failed gender reassignment surgery. In our production, the Hedwig we see in concert is a reclamation—a constructed identity formed to navigate societal expectations, later reclaimed through their music. This interpretation deepens the exploration of identity, inviting audiences to reconsider the constraints of gender while embracing its infinite possibilities, all while preserving Hedwig’s trans-adjacent narrative.

Another innovation in our production is the reimagining of Yitzhak. Traditionally written as a male character who has been forced to give up drag, our Yitzhak is a trans woman, played by a trans woman. Yitzhak's true identity remains suppressed by time, place, and Hedwig’s dominance. This reframing enriches the narrative, bringing to the forefront an intentional trans experience rarely explored in past productions.

One of the great strengths of Hedwig and the Angry Inch is its ability to evolve. The authors have always encouraged productions to keep the show fresh, allowing for creative reinvention while staying true to its core. In this spirit, we have made thoughtful adjustments to character, narrative, music, and dialogue, crafting a truly unique interpretation of this cult favorite. Our production expands the depth of the story, heightens the music’s impact, and brings new clarity to the characters, ensuring that Hedwig remains as powerful, provocative, and electrifying as ever.

At its heart, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is about survival, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of wholeness. We dedicate this production to every trans and queer person who has fought to be seen, heard, and free on their journey to wholeness. Our stories are powerful, our identities undeniable, and our existence non-negotiable.

Thank you for believing in the power of queer theatre and for bearing witness. Without you, we can not continue the fight.