Founded in 2012, Hedgepig Ensemble Theatre reimagines the classics, creating a legacy of storytelling with gender equity at its core. By investing in the growth of our artists, we nurture an inclusive and collaborative community that creates artistically excellent work.

Our cornerstone program in this effort is Expand the Canon – a call to action for theatres to embrace and produce plays by women and non-binary writers as classics. We believe gender equity must be threaded throughout our work – on stage, back stage, and, of course, in whose stories we tell. You can hear more about the origin of the project and its aims in our podcast.

Why is this company called Hedgepig?

First Witch
Thrice the brinded cat hath mew'd.

Second Witch
Thrice and once the hedge-pig whined.

Third Witch
Harpier cries “Tis time, tis time!”

-William Shakespeare’s Macbeth

The hedge is the border, the fence, the edge of comfort. It has traditionally been meant as a slur, meaning ‘less than.’ Hedgepig Ensemble Theatre brings voices from the edges of the classical canon to the forefront.

A hedgepig is a baby hedgehog, a creature that lives in the shadows beneath the hedge: guardian of the edge. It is equal parts spikey fiend and quirky friend.

The witches shouted out the lowly Hedge-pig in Macbeth. And what are witches? Powerful women who were demonized. At Hedgepig Ensemble Theatre, we honor those witches and call on the hedgepig to help us turn the world order on its side and equalize voices in the canon. And, as Harpier cries, “‘Tis time, tis time!”

A hedgepig is also a cocktail developed by Gwen Kelso and Mary Candler during Hurricane Sandy. It is 1 part vodka, 1 part grapefruit juice, 1 part seltzer, garnished with basil. Drink 3 and you’ll find yourself conjuring a theater company to life…!

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

While we do not claim to know what diversity means for everyone, we continually seek to expand our imagining of how to be inclusive—of individuals and of communities. For Hedgepig in this moment, diversity means thorough and thoughtful inclusivity of all races, gender, religion, age, sexuality, ability, health, wealth, height, weight, education, housing, past trauma, citizenship or lack thereof. Though diversity cannot always be worn or recognized, we seek to welcome the invisible just as we do the seen.

We work to include and elevate the voices of anyone who identifies either always or some of the time as a woman, as well as non-binary individuals. As a company with predominantly white female leadership, we acknowledge that white feminism has often left out the voices and values of women of color, and actively seek to expand and honor those voices within our ensemble. Throughout all aspects of our work, we joyfully include men as key allies in the search for equality and equity. Men’s investment in ending oppression is crucial, as patriarchy limits men as well as women.

We understand the inevitable failure of attempting to define an ideological aspiration, but embrace our failure, commit to learning, and fight for the best of humankind.

Antiracism Statement & Actions

Hedgepig Ensemble Theatre stands in solidarity with protesters across the country in rebellion against inequality and injustice. Against white supremacy. Against constant, cruel, and systemically upheld police brutality against our Black sisters, brothers, and siblings. We hear the pain, grief, and exhaustion of our Black artists, community members, and friends. We join the outcry: Black Lives Matter!

To quote Angela Davis, “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.” 

We trade silence and complicity for antiracist action. We call on  members of our community  to use their voices actively against systemic racism and white supremacy. Donate, protest, call, listen, read, and learn — and don’t stop there.

Our specific anti-racist actions and commitments include:

• A requirement for all ensemble and Board members to engage in anti-racism and anti-bias training at least once a year.

• Inviting in other classical companies to join us in anti-racism learning and committing to stand for and challenge our community.

• An audit of our vendors to ensure they follow antiracist policies.

• A commitment to increase engagement of BIPOC in our ensemble, Board, casts, and production teams by 25% in 2021 to better reflect the NYC community.

• A re-dedication to Expand the Canon and including plays by BIPOC writers.

I acknowledge that Hedgepig as an organization is late to take effective action, and that I, as its Founding Artistic Director and as a white woman, have much to learn. What I know is that theater is a tool for understanding, empathy, and bringing people together. As an industry, community, and ensemble, we must be luminary in the fight against racism. As an organization, we must re-examine our inner-workings and assumptions.

To the Black members of the Hedgepig community: We are ready to have this uncomfortable conversation that is long overdue for us as a nation and as an industry. We are ready to listen and learn. We stand in solidarity with you, now and always. If you have thoughts, we invite that connection through email, Facebook, Instagram, or anonymously.