On November 30, 2021, we had the opportunity to have Irma Herrera, writer and performer of Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name? present for a Q&A session with our students. Students were able to stream her play through Latino Theater Co and learned the importance of sharing their names.
Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name? is one woman’s journey from a small segregated South Texas town to California's multicultural mecca. What part of Irma’s identity is she asked to give up for the sake of fitting in and getting along? How can a simple introduction turn into a potential battle to be heard and seen? Weaving history and comedic insights into stories about names, this solo performer invites us to consider how open and welcoming we really are.
Robyn Orozco, Centennial High School Puente Teacher, sent her class's letters for Ms. Herrera after the event. See a handful of student responses to her play and her response here!