DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Stonewall is a story we think we know—mythologized, simplified, and repackaged into something digestible. Hit the Wall refuses to do that. Instead, it plunges us into the uncertainty, raw energy, and deeply personal stakes of that night in 1969, presenting history not as a static moment but as a living, breathing confrontation with resistance, grief, and the power of community. Rather than a linear account, the play amplifies ten voices—diverse, flawed, and fierce—whose lives collide in the chaos of uprising. Set against the cultural resonance of Judy Garland’s death, it underscores how personal loss and collective struggle are inseparable. The addition of a live rock band fuels this disruption, reminding us that the fight for justice is as electric and urgent now as it was then.
This production embraces theatrical imagination as a tool for reclamation. We do not merely look back at Stonewall; we ask what it means today. How do we honor those who stood on the front lines? How do we recognize the erasure within mainstream narratives? And how do we, as an audience, carry this legacy forward?
At the same time, Hit the Wall demands care. Its language and themes confront racism, homophobia, transphobia, and violence. Our rehearsal room has prioritized a process of intentionality—implementing a community agreement, rehearsing difficult material with awareness, and ensuring that our artists feel safe as they bring this story to life. We do this not to soften the impact but to uphold the dignity of those whose stories this play seeks to illuminate.
To ensure a responsible and mindful process, we have established the following measures in our rehearsal room:
- Hate speech in the text was omitted during rehearsals to minimize repeated exposure. These words were only introduced during full runs if deemed necessary, with alternatives explored—such as implied delivery, sound effects, or the ensemble collectively shouting “whoa” to interrupt moments of micro and macro aggressions.
- A dedicated rehearsal addressed the contextual impact of hate speech, establishing protective measures for all artists. Individual comfort levels were prioritized and respected throughout the process.
- Scenes involving sexual assault were stylized and suggested rather than explicit, using the reading of stage directions to convey these moments. Intimacy discussions ensured that staging choices were handled with thoughtfulness and care.
As you experience Hit the Wall, I invite you to sit in the discomfort, to witness with an open heart, and to reflect on the responsibility we all share in shaping a more just future. The revolution was never over—it’s still being written.
C. Julian Jiménez
Absolutely No Photography during the performance.
Smoking, eating, and the use of recording devices of any kind are strictly prohibited in the theater.
Please turn off all cell phones and noise making devices as it is disruptive to performers and your fellow audience members.
