Portland Center Stage logo
128 NW Eleventh Ave, Portland, OR 97209 · 503-445-3700 · www.pcs.org
Portland Center Stage logo
Preview image for Making it Nuevo: A Conversation with Playwright Octavio Solis

Making it Nuevo: A Conversation with Playwright Octavio Solis

Considered one of the most prominent Latino playwrights in North America, Octavio Solis has been produced from New York to California and everywhere in between. Read what he has to say about his play Quixote Nuevo, the characteristic humor of the play, and what keeps him writing.

Preview image for Reviews of *NASSIM*

Reviews of NASSIM

"In this play, the playwright is inviting the guest performer, and the audience, into a dance of empathy and connection." —Oregon ArtsWatch

"For an evening, family love and language learning successfully brought Nassim’s audience back to when they were all young." —Willamette Weekly

"NASSIM is more ...

A banner that reads "Women's Rights are Human Rights" hangs on fence in front of the U.S. Capitol building.

“Of Every Age, Sex and Condition:” Women and the Constitution

From the beginning of this country, there have been discussions of gender and race as it pertains to lawmaking. For more than 100 years, a proposed amendment to the Constitution has been awaiting ratification to solidify equal rights for women.

The first page of the U.S. Constitution on yellowed parchment cropped to highlight the words "We the People" and a portion of Article I.

The United States Constitution

A brief history and description of America's founding document, to help you prepare for What the Constitution Means to Me.

Smiling men and women wearing black robes pose side-by-side in a wood-paneled room; image is cropped so only 6 of 9 justices are visible.

The Supreme Court

As background for What the Constitution Means to Me, read about the origins, role, powers, and current makeup of the United States Supreme Court.

Smiling men and women wearing black robes pose side-by-side in a wood-paneled room; image is cropped so only 6 of 9 justices are visible.

Women’s Rights Movements

At the core of What the Constitution Means to Me is the lack of explicit inclusion of women's rights in the U.S. Constitution. Often called the Feminist Movement, the pursuit of women’s rights has taken several “waves” as the needs of women have evolved over time.

A woman stands with one hand on her hip and one hand to her forehead, partially covering her closed eyes.

Intimate Partner & Family Violence

In What the Constitution Means to Me, the main character, Heidi, describes several instances of domestic violence and violence towards women. The following information was provided to the creative team at our first rehearsal.

A young woman stands speaking demonstratively, holding up a paper in one hand, as an older woman seated at a small writing desk looks on.

Debates

What the Constitution Means to Me features a live debate. Debate is an ancient form of competitive discourse that can take many forms.

Preview image for Dracula & Vampirism: A History

Dracula & Vampirism: A History

How to stop a vampire — and other useful background on Dracula and the history of vampirism. A must-read for all aspiring vampire hunters!

Preview image for World of the Play: 19th Century English Society

World of the Play: 19th Century English Society

A brief overview of the history, culture, and society of the Victorian era in Great Britain provides context for Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really.

Preview image for An Interview with Playwright Kate Hamill

An Interview with Playwright Kate Hamill

PCS Literary Manager Kamilah Bush talked to Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really writer Kate Hamill about "monster" stories, the fun of horror, and reclaiming classic stories as a feminist playwright.

Preview image for An Interview with Jillian Snow and David Saffert

An Interview with Jillian Snow and David Saffert

PCS Literary Manager Kamilah Bush spoke to the creators and performers of Liberace & Liza Holiday at the Mansion (A Tribute) about their collaboration, their creative backgrounds, and their obsessions with the larger-than-real-life celebrities who inspired their stage personas.

Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).

Learn More

Season Superstars

Season Supporting Sponsors