about

heterophobia, at its core, is a play about relationships.

The mission and hope of heterophobia is to: explore social norms, challenge prejudice, make people laugh, and stimulate dialogue in non-prescript ways.

a brief history

by Playwright, Pam Rocker

The word ‘heterophobia’ caught me by surprise. I was thinking about what I truly wanted to write about, and amidst all of the love, turmoil, hope, and confusion flowing through my veins, this word appeared.

It struck me hard, and I wondered what would happen if roles were reversed; if being gay was the accepted norm and being straight was the ‘perversion’. This question led me into a whole new world, where ironies abounded.

heterophobia was first produced in Calgary at the 2009 IGNITE! Festival with Sage Theatre, setting records for the biggest audiences in the festivals’ five-year history. Since, it has been booked for various staged readings in Calgary and Edmonton, winning over crowds of various values and backgrounds. Each performance was met with hundreds of tears, bright sparks of laughter and joy, and dozens of thought-provoking comments and questions.

The audience has greatly helped to shape the continued story of heterophobia. People shared what they loved, what they wanted to see more of, and I listened. I began working on an extended version of the play that was able to encompass some of the deeper realities and complexities of the world it lives in.  

In September 2010, we brought the brand new show to life for the very first time. I was so grateful to be able to share this story, both with those who have been supporters since the beginning, and those seeing it for the first time. The show had 13 performances and was packed to capacity (and beyond!) at almost every show. The audience response was overwhelming, and the media was incredible. 

I passionately believe in the importance of telling this story and its relevance to every person, no matter what their beliefs or background may be. The greatest fulfillment has been and will be, that someone will walk away from this show feeling less alone, or with a little bit more understanding and compassion for the people around them.

pam's bio

Pam is an artist, activist, and advocate. Beginning with her first plays Searching, and Fork Stuck In The Road, 12 years ago, she has always sought to entertain with a purpose, and challenge prejudice in non-prescript ways. Her recent plays include Caffeine & Sex, an award winner at the Alberta 24 Hour Playwrighting Contest, and Flesh and Bones, which has enjoyed numerous productions in Alberta. Dozens of her scripts have been seen on stage and screen, and she continues to seduce and surprise with her wit and accessibility. An active member of Calgary's GLBTTQ community, she has shown tremendous strength and vulnerability in both her personal and professional life. She is currently working on her collection of non-fiction darkly comedic essays, and a new project that just may solve overpopulation!