Please note that this performance is for Berklee community members only.
There is a queer nightclub called the Swann Song, a glamorous drag performer named The Swann, and a Duckling, lost and looking for light. This immersive experience will guide audiences through a contemporary retelling of
The Ugly Duckling. Through movement, music, and a twist on a classic tale, audiences will witness and partake in a journey celebrating found family, love, openness, and joy.Program InformationDirector's Note
We have all been Duckling, we can all one day be The Swann. My initial inspiration for this play was my distant cousin, Lee. Lee Chowitz was born in 1930 and took his own life in 1969, fearing his family would discover his queer identity. Lee inspired me to tell a story about a young queer person finding community and love, and learning to see the magic in their own self. I’m writing this note on Thursday November 20th, Transgender Day of Remembrance. We are in the midst of a mass regression of queer and trans rights. It is easy to lose sight of hope when those in power are spending their careers fighting against your existence, and when all media depicting your life experience is a tragedy. When the expectation is set that your identity is a burden, it begins to feel truer each day. But we are gathered here tonight as a community, celebrating joy. Swann Song is a celebration in a time where there are few things to celebrate. It is a community in a time where community may feel out of reach. It is a dedication in a time trying to erase the decades of fighting done to get us to the rights we have now. This play is for the centuries of elders who refused to let their voices be silenced. It is for those who need a spark to speak their minds. It is a tribute to a family member who never had the chance to live as freely as I do today. I invite you to use this time to feel, fall in love, dance, cry, laugh, live the full range of humanity.
Love,
Sage
Cast
THE SWANN – Danté X Johnson
DUCKLING – Ashley Ha
HEART – Maya Gopalswamy
CYGNET 1 – Olivia Goosman
CYGNET 2 – Danny Hernandez
CYGNET 3 – Angelina Ortiz
GLITTER – Andre'a Condol
POP – Mia Gonzalez
CLUB-GOER – Taimu Onuki
CLUB-GOER – Mj Sj
CLUB-GOER – Irene Weinhagen
Production Credits
CREATIVE TEAM:
Director – Sage Futterman
Assistant Director – Mariella Murillo
Stage Manager – Hayden Lockhart
Costume and Makeup Designer – Gilbert Dabady
Dramaturg – Sophie Davis
Lighting Designer – Karina Tejera
Sound Designer – Sage Futterman
Capstone Advisor – Dave Valdes
CONCERT SERVICES STAFF:
Assistant Director, Concert Services – Luis Herrera
Coordinator, Concert Services – Matthew Carey
Concert Production Manager – Kendall Floyd
Performance Technology Technicians – Sara Pagiaro, Goran Daskalov
Special Thanks
Theresa Lang for her support and permission to say “fuck it”
Dave Valdes for his guidance and wisdom
Hayden Lockhart and Mariella Murillo for their endless passion, dedication
Pascale Florestal for her advice and feedback
Matthew Neal for his suggestions and enthusiasm
Sam Webel for keeping me grounded and being my rock
Sylvie Schuetz, Eva Hutto, Mabel White for their sibling advice and shoulders to cry
on
Karina Tejera and Melea Hauck for late night chats and a wonderful home
The parental unit for their sacrifices and endless encouragement
Trombone guy for giving us our studios and helping us move blocks
Boston Conservatory thanks audience members for viewing this program information online. This paperless program saved 200 sheets of paper, 21 gallons of water, and 18 pounds of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions.
