In this episode of Wilma Theatercast, hosts Dwight Dunston and Toby Fraser take us inside one of the most electrifying moments of The Half-God of Rainfall—the confrontation between Shango and Zeus. This battle isn’t just about divine power; it’s a collision of ideologies, masculinity, and justice.

Joining the conversation are three brilliant artists: Jess Conda, Jen Kidwell, and Mel Crodman, who explore gender, power, and resistance—both in the play and in our everyday lives. They reflect on the Masculinity Action Project, their past collaborations on Those With Two Clocks, and how theater can disrupt patriarchy and expand gender possibilities.

The episode also features a special performance from The Half-God Mixtape, blending music, mythology, and movement to reimagine the story beyond the stage.

Guest Bios

• Jess Conda – Performer, producer, and educator. She is the Director of Education and Community Practice at the Wilma Theater, using theater as a tool for social change.
• Jenn Kidwell – Obie-winning artist known for Underground Railroad Game, which challenges power, gender roles, and capitalism through provocative performance.
• Mel Krodman – Queer, trans nonbinary performer and cultural organizer exploring gender, Jewish identity, and collective storytelling as resistance.

Topics Covered in This Episode

🔥 Shango vs. Zeus – A Battle of Masculinity and Power
🔥 How Gender and Justice Shape the Play’s Storytelling
🔥 Breaking Patriarchy with Theater – Lessons from Those With Two Clocks
🔥 The Masculinity Action Project – Reclaiming Closeness & Softness
🔥 Personal Gender Journeys – Metaphors of Identity
🔥 How Music and Movement Expand the Play’s Mythology

Featured Music & Resources

🎭 Explore More About the Play

The Half-God of Rainfall is playing at The Wilma Theater live in Philadelphia February 11 – March 2, 2025, and streaming for a limited time in March. Visit WilmaTheater.org for tickets and more information.

• The Half-God of Rainfall at Wilma Theater – Visit here
• Wilma Theater’s Dramaturgy Page – Read more

🎵 Music from the Episode

• The Half-God of Rainfall original score by Jordan McCree & Elle Morris of Ill Doots
• The Half-God Mixtape by Dwight Dunston & Martronimous
• Additional music from Epidemic Sound

🎧 Listen to The Half-God Mixtape

• Available on iTunes and Spotify – Just search The Half-God Mixtape by Sterling Duns

What does gender liberation look like to you? Share your thoughts on social media @WilmaTheater and be part of the conversation!

📱 Follow us on social media:
@wilmatheater

🎭 The Tony Award-winning Wilma Theater joyfully produces the Wilma Theatercast as part of our Accessible Productions Initiative. This program brings community partners into the rehearsal process and invites them to respond creatively to the work. This program is made possible with support from the William Penn Foundation.