A performer spreads his arms beside a lit Ted Haggard sign.

2007–2008 · The Collective:Unconscious

The Ted Haggard Monologues

A man speaks into a microphone beside a seated performer in a white robe holding a sign.

A fictional retelling of the scandal pastor Ted Haggard caused when he was outed by former male escort Mike Jones. With the help of The Gospel of Sexual Liberation Singers, Crowley presents a series of sermons and monologues by characters—both real and fictional—involved in the saga. As the scandal deepens and the allegations grow more wild, the family is forced to confront their own buried desires. In language inspired as much by Madonna’s lyrics and Rilke’s poetry as the Bible, they confess themselves and pray for forgiveness, vengeance, or simply a boyfriend. The result is hilarious and ultimately triumphant—as one family member says, “Want is simple, and I understand it, and I think that makes it American, and I know it is right.”

Presentations

2007
The Collective:Unconscious · New York City
2008
Theater am Alten Markt · Bielefeld, Germany
Writer and Performer
Michael Yates Crowley
Director
Michael Rau
Performer
Michael Yates Crowley
Performer
Christina Aranda (The Gospel of Sexual Liberation Singers)
Performer
Betsey Boutelle (The Gospel of Sexual Liberation Singers)
Performer
Naomi Ekperigin (The Gospel of Sexual Liberation Singers)
Performer
Andy Lindberg (The Gospel of Sexual Liberation Singers)
Performer
Alkis Sarantinos (The Gospel of Sexual Liberation Singers)

Recognition

Undergroundzero Festival — Artistic Excellence Prize

New York Magazine — Critics’ Pick

Press