A Life
- Previews Sep. 29–Oct. 4 | Opening night Oct. 5
- By Adam Bock
- Directed by Rose Riordan
JUMP TO: Dates, Run Time, Playbill, & More
“★★★★★ Exquisite in detail.” —Time Out New York
A wickedly irreverent play about the meaning of life. Nate Martin is hopelessly single. When his most recent breakup casts him into a funk, he turns to the only source of wisdom he trusts: the stars. Poring over astrological charts, he obsessively questions his past and his place in the cosmos. The answer he gets is shockingly obvious — and totally unpredictable.
Commissioned by Portland Center Stage at The Armory | West Coast Premiere!
Who's Who:
View the Cast and Creative Team
Playbill:
Explore the Playbill
Run Time:
Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
Note:
Recommended for ages 15 and up. Contains adult situations and language. Children under 6 are not permitted at any production at The Armory.
Resource Guide:
Download resource guide (PDF)
More About This Production
Reviews of "A Life"
One of Portland Center Stage's favorite playwrights delivers a small, surprising, perspective-shifting play. This is a guy you know – maybe even a friend. And his worries of not being able to find anyone to love are real and raw. After seeing A Life and getting a glimpse of Nate’s life, you might see the world a little differently, or have a newfound appreciation for your own life." - Oregon ArtsWatch
An Interview with Adam Bock
A Life author Adam Bock on everything from intuition, astrology and Canada.
"A Life" Cast and Creative Team
Meet the exciting cast and creative team for our opening show in the Ellyn Bye Studio.
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Adult Class : TWELFTH NIGHT, Before & After
Join veteran actor Joe Costa for a unique opportunity to take a “deep dive” into both Shakespeare’s text of Twelfth Night, and the PCS Production. Participants will read the play out loud as a group, with “intermissions” provided for lively discussion of themes and content. Interested participants will have a chance to act in selected scenes, guided by the instructor.
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Witness the Magic of unscripted Elizabethan comedy! Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions!
Albina Music Trust presents A Brown Branch Christmas
Celebrate this holiday season with A Brown Branch Christmas at Portland Center Stage. Now in its fourth season, this two-night big band celebration features directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III guiding a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians.
BIPOC Affinity Night DJ Party with ALoSo
Join us for a double feature BIPOC Affinity Night, featuring a live DJ set by ALoSo, plus holiday craft market vendor tables, art exhibits by Albina Music Trust Wall to Wall Sound and Jason Hill's Favorite Things, with complimentary select drinks provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery while supplies last.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
Production Sponsors
2018-2019 Season Superstars
2018-2019 Season Supporting Sponsors
