For a new take on the Wild West, UC Santa Cruz’s upcoming production of Them Cowboys embodies diversity, queer joy and silliness all in one. Starting on May 9 at Second Stage on campus, the play features two nonbinary cowboys, Gus and Billy, who are down on their luck and hunting for Bungus Balloo’s hidden treasure.
“I thought it really blended my three favorite things, which are: directing new plays, telling stories that center queer characters, and working with UCSC students,” says Claire Ganem, the director and instructor for Porter College. Ganem loves the play’s wild antics and believes it goes “very silly places that not a lot of plays go to” including snakes falling from the sky and attacking lizards.
Them Cowboys was written by Chris Hernandez, an Environmental Studies and Theater Arts double major who graduated last spring. Hernandez wrote the piece while applying for the 2024 Endowed Dharma-Grace Foundation Creative Writing Award Fund, which he won. Established in 2005, the award provides funding for an outstanding script written by a junior or senior undergraduate student (from any discipline) who is in good academic standing.
The play reinterprets the concept of a cowboy, usually associated with masculinity and straightness. “The cowboy trope is very Americana,” says Ganem. “I hope that people take away the fact that trans history is American history. Trans love and joy make our country greater. We have much to lose when our government tries to deny that fact.”
Without the seriousness of Broke Back Mountain, Them Cowboys emphasizes the beauty of queer relationships as Gus and Billy fall in love through a more playful approach that is just as heartfelt.
“Right now I’m most proud of how the cast and crew have been working together in the creation process. It’s been a joy to see everyone’s excitement in bringing Chris’s story to life.” says Ganem who, along with the cast and crew, are looking forward to bringing this charming play to life.
Them Cowboys is open to the public and tickets are available through Eventbrite. This production was made possible thanks to the Department of Performance, Play & Design as well as the Dharma-Grace Foundation Creative Writing Award.
May 9, 10, 15, 16 & 17 – 7:30 PM
May 11 & 18 – 3:00 PM
Second Stage
UC Santa Cruz Theater Arts Center
General Admission
Pay what you like ($5 – $20)
Tickets available on Eventbrite
Follow the Dept. of Performance, Play & Design on Eventbrite for notifications and updates.