Director's Note
"All the things that make us special are the things that make us strong!
What makes us special makes us strong!
Let your freak flag wave! Let your freak flag fly!
Never take it down, never take it down
Raise it way up high!"
To some, Shrek might be just a movie that features Eddie Murphy's voice or just a musical that has a very large dragon puppet in it, but to me, Shrek teaches us lessons that shape our generation.
As a mom, I teach my daughters the importance of being yourself. I reinforce all of the things that make them special. I show them that having their own voice and being their own person is important. In a world where too many people are ostracized for who they love or how they look, it is imperative to teach our children to walk their own path and not worry about what other people think. I will admit, my kid's clothes oftentimes do not match when they leave the house. I do not stop them from singing aloud in the store. I do not put an end to makeup, crazy hairstyles, or princess dresses in public. And while some people may look at all of this as nuts, I simply see my kids as being true to themselves. They are the rainbows in this far too often dull world. The story of our lives is shaped by the way we view the world. Can the world be harsh? Yes. Am I going to hide my children from that? No. But I am also not going to allow society to shun them from being their special selves.
As a theatre director, I see this every day. Kids who are afraid to be themselves. Kids who are afraid to let their freak flag fly. Kids who are afraid to show the world just how special they are. It is heartbreaking. This is one of the reasons why theatre is so important. Theatre creates a safe space for all. Every kid is called upon to show their true colors. We help to shape the story of their lives. We bring joy and acceptance and love. We show them day in and day out that they are special and that they should be proud of who they are. We take them as they are. We love them as they look. We help them to create stories that they are proud of.
And they are happy. All of my kids. Truly happy. Isn't that what matters the most? I urge you to show the world how special you are. Let others see the beauty in your uniqueness. Your confidence will give you the strength you need to overcome adversity. Let your Freak Flag fly!
Carolyn Little, Director
