Irma Herrera’s solo performance piece “Why Would I Mispronounce My Own
Name?” weaves history and comedic insights into stories about names and sheds light
and throws shade on our prejudices and assumptions. Irma asks us: how open are we to seeing
people who aren’t white as equals? How welcoming are we of others who are different
from us?

Herrera’s five-month run of the show at The Marsh in San Francisco, a major home for
developing theater works, played to sold-out houses and garnered glowing reviews from critics
and everyday folks. Her post-show talkbacks tackle a range of topics including the school to
prison pipeline, the rights of transgender people, immigration policy and more.

“Put @irmadherrera’s theater piece, Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name? on your to-do list . . . Personal and deeply thought-provoking on issues of identity important for us to think about today.”
-Marsha Cohen, Professor, UC Law San Francisco

“At a time when civil rights and many communities are under siege, Irma Herrera provides sharp insights into the history and politics that drive these attacks.  She sees the humor and irony in the battles to save lives, democracy, and to promote justice. You don’t want to miss her show!”

-Bill Tamayo, Civil Rights Attorney, San Francisco