Reviews of the ripple, the wave that carried me home
Local Reviews
"Dive into the ripple, the wave that carried me home, and leave a better human being" –PDXParent
"This play itself is beautiful - the way the story is woven together, the language that borders on poetry flowing over you like water - it's often heartbreaking, but also heart-filling." –BroadwayWorld
"As charmingly warm, personable and down-to-earth as it is politically incisive, poetically eloquent and emotionally grand, the ripple… serves up Black joy that’s been earned through generations of effort in the world and reflection in private places." –Oregon ArtsWatch
"A superb play. One I am glad I saw, not just for the action on stage, but for the jolt it gave me when I realized that we haven't moved as far--or as quickly--as I thought we had. The whole country might benefit from that jolt." –The Crippled Critic
In the News
"PCS and ART are tackling the second-ever production of Tony-nominated playwright Christina Anderson’s the ripple, the wave that carried me home." –Portland Monthly
"I knew I wanted to write about water as an element, but I didn’t know what I wanted to write about specifically. Then I was researching environmental injustice and I found Contested Waters, and I was completely floored. I can’t swim, my mother can’t swim, a lot of people in my family can’t swim, and it never occurred to me that a public policy could determine my access to water. That forced denial can turn things and make people believe that they’re only for white folks, so as a kid I never felt like it was a thing I was missing." –Christina Anderson in an interview with American Theatre. View the Feature
National Reviews
"A poignant, transporting, and quietly subversive story of racial justice, political legacy, and family forgiveness." –TheaterMania
“Powerful … brings every period to life with vivid immediacy … Anderson’s enthralling language is peppered with brilliantly evocative turns of phrase.” –Bay Area News Group
"ripple seeks to enumerate racism’s tolls and reclaim joy. ... It elevates the everyday to poetry. ... In its final glorious poolside scene, ripple lets [Janice] come out of the fortress she’s built and rediscover the joys of the water." –San Francisco Chronicle
“Christina Anderson has written a touchingly humorous and passionate play that explores racial justice, family dynamics, and the importance of forgiveness. She has captured the essence of decades of a family’s search for racial justice using only her sparkling talent, elegant direction, four excellent actors, and a creative stage set.” –Berkeleyside
“Anderson’s brilliant writing shows evidence of a careful hand … expertly telling a story of political and familial turmoil … every vignette of a memory passed is immaculate. The work is deeply empathetic, nuanced and above all, honest.” –The Daily Californian
“In her moving new drama … playwright Christina Anderson gives us what we want — or, more accurately, what we need. A generous and empathetic writer, Anderson allows for triumph amid the tragedy and for growth and understanding amid hostilities and resentments … she even leaves us swimming in the possibility of joy.” –Chad Jones’ Theater Dogs
More about the ripple, the wave that carried me home:
the ripple, the wave that carried me home Plot Summary
Spoiler alert! A brief overview of the ripple, the wave that carried me home.
From the Director: Daniel J. Bryant
The director of the ripple, the wave that carried me home discusses the complicated history of Black people's relationship to water, and the way the play "offers a powerful return to the water and takes us on the incredibly personal journey of finding strength, freedom, and joy through forgiveness."
Diving Deep: How Pool Segregation Sprung a Movement
Since the first public pool was opened in Boston in 1868, there have been strict regulations on who can and cannot share the water.
Segregation & Swimming Timeline in the United States
The history of swimming pool segregation in America is long and complicated. This feature highlights the major events between 1800 and 2022.
Kansas: A Background of the Play's Setting
Learn more about the development of the state of Kansas and the origin of Beacon, Kansas.
Rodney King, the L.A. Riots, and the Aftermath
Learn about who Rodney King is and the impact this incident sparked in 1991.
A Brief History of Police Violence
Police violence in America can be traced all the way back to the 1700s. Read more to learn about the progression and changes between the early 1700s and now.
the ripple, the wave that carried me home Reading List
Calling all readers! Multnomah County Library put together a reading list inspired by our production of the ripple, the wave that carried me home.
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.
Improv Comedy: Love, Shakespeare
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).
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