Q&A: Natalie Garcia to play Mother Nature in original production ‘HE(A)R’
“HE(A)R” is a solo performance by Natalie Garcia, environmental science major, which explores the relationship between women and the environment. This solo performance will take place on campus in the Bayou Building side gallery inside of the art gallery on Nov. 1 and 2. Garcia takes on the character of Mother Nature to give the audience some “tough love” about our current environmental issues under the lens of feminism.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your performance?
A: The performance I’m putting on is called “HE(A)R” and it explores the relationship between our environment and our mothers. I think it would be interesting because there is a link between the way men seem to disrespect women and the environment.
Q: What was your inspiration for the show?
A: My main inspiration was an environmental ethics excerpt I read during class. It was the first time I came across the term ecofeminism. It was really striking to me as I never considered how feminism and our environment could be connected. Also, Rachel Carson was really inspirational to the show as well.
Q: What do you hope people take away from seeing your show?
A: I hope that people think about how they can be more considerate, not just towards the environment but also to people. I use the relationship that we have with our mother’s primarily because it is something many can relate to. I think it’s important to show kindness to people, and the more you show that to people, the more you’re going to have a nurturing ability to care for your own environment. I know throughout the show it can feel as if you are implicated and guilty…but you’re supposed to.
Q: What is the target audience for your show?
A: Young adults and any parents. I say young adults because they have a lot of power in society and I want them to be better informed and educated about environmental issues. I want them to use their voice to hopefully spark change.
Q: Why parents?
The show is tailored to parents as well because they understand unconditional love for their children. It is important for everyone to think about how they can show that love to the environment.
Q: Who got you involved in performance?
A: Andrea Baldwin. I recently went to a performance festival called Petit Jean and wrote a poem about it. She is the person who saw something in me and encouraged me to take the Storytelling class. She has encouraged me to keep doing performance, and she is how I got into all this.
Q: Do you have any other influences from your life in the show?
A: Naturally my mother is an influence. In writing the show I put a lot of thought into the relationship that I have with my mother to help develop my character of “Mother Nature.” Other people may not know, but I think my mom is going to get a kick out of the fact that I am definitely performing her.
Q: Were there any other influences for your show?
A: The show in some ways would not have happened if not for a conversation I had with my friend Emily Graves. We were at Petit Jean last year, sitting on a porch, just talking about performance. Recently we had just performed our show “Well;” and she also had a show called “You Menstril Me.” We were just talking about performance and ideas. And I just flippantly said, “Wouldn’t that be crazy if I wrote my own show?” And she said no. If it wasn’t for her encouragement, the show would definitely not be here.
Q: How has it been to have performance back on campus?
A: It means a lot to me that performance has a space on campus. It means a lot that I was here when we didn’t have performance…and now I’m here doing a solo show.
Q: Can you tell me more about that?
A: I’ve seen all the work that has gone into this and how much work Dr. Baldwin has put into reviving performance. I’ve seen it all, and to finally be in a place where I’m seeing people catch onto it is humbling and rewarding. All of this time and effort we have put into making art is being appreciated. I can only imagine what the next two years are going to be like.
Q: What do you think performance will look like in the future at UHCL?
A: Yeah, I just can’t imagine what performance will look like on campus in a few years. When we think of performance, we think of the “big three”. LSU, Illinois University, and UNT are the schools to go to for performance. I hope that UHCL is one day in that mix. It just means the world to me.
Q: Is there anything that I didn’t ask which you would like to say?
A: Sure, it’s just that I’m thankful for everyone on the campus who has supported us since the beginning. I’m thankful that we have a president who supports the work that we do. And, also, I’m thankful for all the professors on campus who show up and support us in what we’re doing. I really am excited for this show and the future. I’m humbled to be part of a performance here and to have my own show. Also for the record, Rachel Carson and I have the same birthday.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Bayou Theater’s website at www.uhcl.edu/bayou-theater/events-tickets/
