PCS Presents: Risk/Reward's Election Anti-Party
Portland Center Stage presents Risk/Reward's Election Anti-Party, three days of theater, film, and mayhem anti-celebrating the upcoming presidential election. Featuring a different presentation every night, the Election Anti-Party will delve into how we got here, what we can do about it if things get weirder, and what hope might look like.
Full details below!
Thursday, Sept 26 - An Iliad | by Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare | A Fig Tree Committee Production
The Fig Tree Committee has been touring An Iliad to correctional facilities around the Pacific Northwest for over five years, alongside rare public performances; so far, over 3,000 people have seen their production, most of whom were incarcerated at the time. Their work knits together audiences on both sides of the prison walls by using one of the world's oldest stories to examine the cycles of violence, trauma, displacement, and hope for healing that unite us all. The Fig Tree Committee is bringing the Election Anti-Party this heavy dose of perspective just before kicking off a tour to correctional facilities in Wisconsin (swing state!), Vermont, and New Hampshire in October.
A discussion with the artists to follow the performance.
Friday, Sept 27 - Tipping Point: What the Portland Protests Tell Us About the State of America | with special guest Rejoice! Diaspora Dance Theater
In May 2020, following the death of George Floyd, Portland, Oregon, became the focus of media attention for its protests and demonstrations against systemic racism and police brutality. Tipping Point is a documentary film about the largest civil rights protest in U.S. history, and how Portland emerged as its epicenter. Told through the individual stories of Portlanders on the ground, Tipping Point humanizes the struggle while allowing Portland’s story to serve as a mirror for all of America – the past that brought us here and the future we must choose.
Prior to the screening, we'll be joined by special guests Rejoice! Diaspora Dance Theater, presenting the piece "Uprising", a continuation of their exploration on black joy, protest, and movement.
A discussion featuring the artists, filmmakers, and civil rights lawyer Ashlee Albies to follow.
Saturday, Sept 28 - The Election Anti–Party Showcase
Local performance artists, assemble!
Risk/Reward presents 20 different artists' thoughts on the 2024 Election. Each piece is made to order, bespoke for this moment, and must be between 2 and 4 minutes in length. In response to Risk/Reward's call for submissions, Portland has turned out: expect theater, music, film, pies, dance, rat-based strip-tease, righteous fury, performative sculpture, a gentle and loving examination of what it is to vote by mail, and (most surprising) maybe even a fleeting wisp of hope in the air.
The Election Anti-Party Showcase will feature:
- Pepper Pepper
- Svetlana Trantastic
- Jessica Wallenfels
- Rachel Lindsey Routh & Sorrel Ophelia LaLune
- Sweta
- Thorn Hartspring
- Emily June Newton
- Dustin Curry
- Anthony Hudson / Carla Rossi
- Tracy Cameron Francis
- Michael O'Neill
- Hollynitski and the Extended Voice Ensemble
- Éowyn Emerald
- Divine
- Hand2Mouth Youth Devising Intensive
- Meg Denton
- Mychelle M.
- Zero Feeney / Kid Lich
- Andrea Parson
- A Sentient Karaoke Machine from the Year 3024
About Risk/Reward:
Risk/Reward champions artists and audiences who push the boundaries of the performing arts. Led by Producing Artistic Director Katie Watkins and Interim Festival Director James Mapes, Risk/Reward is on the constant look-out for new ways to support, present, and collaborate with performing artists across the Pacific Northwest.
Current & Upcoming
Foundations of Improvisation
Looking to expand your knowledge and skills of improvisation? Whether you did theater in high school and want to jump back in, are looking to find creative connections with others, or are a theater professional looking to deepen your training, this course is perfect for you!
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!
Acting for Adults Level II: Scene Work
Through focused exploration of partner relationships, participants will learn the art of active listening, responsiveness, and ensemble building, essential skills for compelling and authentic scene work.
Acting for Adults Level IV: Advanced Scene Work
Participants will delve into the intricacies of advanced acting techniques and character development. Designed for seasoned artists who are ready to explore the depths of their craft.
Panel Discussion: Latinas Shaping the Future
Join us for Latinas Shaping the Future, a free community event celebrating hispanic Heritage Month featuring a networking happy hour and a powerful panel of Latina leaders across various industries in Portland.
PCS Fall Teen Academy: Stage Combat
Professional stage combat choreographer and certified instructor Kristen Mun-Van Noy leads this Fall Teen Academy session where teens will learn the necessary skills and techniques that performers use to "fight & die" onstage night after night.
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
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