A Tale of Two Toxic Relationships

Story and Photos by Alex Del Cueto

From cheating to drug abuse, “The Motherfucker with the Hat” tackles many serious topics that are often difficult to depict on stage. Theater and performance seniors Lizette Padua, Natalie Nova, Nina Farduchi and Tionne Watson decided to take on this show as their final senior project. 

“After I read the script for this show I knew it needed to be put up on campus,” said Nova. “Especially for the people of color on campus, because we don’t get a lot of representation here.”

The play follows Jackie, who was recently released from prison on parole and is struggling to handle his relationships and maintain his sobriety. Padua decided to take on the role of this complicated man as a woman.

“It was a scary decision, but it was a challenge I was willing to accept,” said Padua. “I know some people will feel some type of way about a woman playing a man.”

Throughout the show, Jackie has several romantic encounters with his current drug-addicted girlfriend, Veronica, played by Watson. There is a constant back and forth between Jackie and Veronica which, mixed with a lot of their own toxic tendencies, results in a lot of tension throughout the show.

“It's a whole cute will they, won't they, but it's kind of more nuanced than that,” said Watson. “Although they love each other, do we try to grow together through the weeds, or do we go our separate ways for the betterment of each other?”

The toxic traits shown in Jackie and Veronica's relationship are mirrored throughout the show by Jackie’s AA sponsor, Ralph, and his wife, Victoria. Jackie views Ralph as his friend and as the perfect example of what a person should be, but throughout the show we see those views slowly unravel.

Although the topics covered throughout this show are heavy and hard-hitting, the actors are able to keep the audience in high spirits with their use of comedy.

“This show has a lot of realism in it but I also had a lot of humor in it,” said Farduchi. “I think we all need a little humor right now and this is a great show for it.”

“The Motherfucker with the Hat” will be performed in the Humanities Theater at 7:30 p.m. from Nov. 21 to 23.

Veronica (Tionne Watson) and Jackie (Lizette Padua) hugged after he returned home with gifts for her.

Veronica did a line of cocaine in front of Jackie knowing he is sober.

Ricky prayed with his sponsor, Ralph (Daniel Pierre), after he showed up to Ralph’s house looking for advice.

Victoria (Nina Farduchi) on the couch trying to get Jackie and Ralph to take their conversation outside so she can watch T.V.

Jackie held the gun he just used to shoot at the motherfucker with the hat’s hat.

Ralph and Jackie’s cousin Julio (Daniel Velasquez) exchanged business cards.

Veronica made the bed as she yelled at the man she’s been cheating on Jackie with.

Veronica told Ralph that she no longer wants to hook up with him anymore.

Jackie yelled at Victoria after she just kissed him while they were waiting for Ralph to come home.

Victoria sat smugly on the couch as she told Jackie that Veronica had been cheating on him with Ralph.

Veronica threatened to hit Jackie with the bottle after he broke into her apartment while drunk.

Jackie and Julio hugged after they reconciled their relationship as cousins.

Victoria and Ralph on the couch as she told him that she is leaving and never coming back.

Ralph on top of Jackie as they fought after Jackie confronted Ralph about sleeping with Veronica.

Jackie grabbed the things that he left at Veronica's place that she packed for him.

Jackie begged Veronica to take him back and for them to have another chance together.

All four of the producing seniors took their final bow.