A.J. Ditty's HEART OF DUCKNESS to be Presented at Portland Stage
Fox Bramble Theatre Company will present their inaugural production of A.J. Ditty's Heart of Duckness presented as part of the Studio Series at Portland Stage.
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Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty at Portland Stage Studio Theater
Dates: 8/20/2026 - 9/4/2026
📍 Theatre: Portland Stage Studio Theater
Fox Bramble Theatre Company
25A Forest Ave
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 2077740465
Tickets: $30
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Join us for a new play by A.J. Ditty
About the Play
It’s the Berlin Conference of 1884 and the nations of Europe teeter on the brink of feathershed over their nest-holdings in Africa: Penaquill, the poised and hopeful delegate from Portugal, finds it impossible to convince her fellow delegates to treat the African ducks with a shred of dignity (ducknity?) while Leopold II, the King of Belgium, seeks nothing but the total and complete subjugation of the African continent. In her quest to stop the mad tyrant, Penaquill gains an unlikely ally in Mr. Duck, the folksy delegate from the United States whose salesduckship might just be the thing she needs to win over her fellow delegates. As tensions rise between the nations and all-out war seems all but assured, Penaquill must maneuver her way through age-old rivalries and petty grudges in her attempts to save Africa from Leopold’s wrath. But can she save it from herself?
A.J. Ditty’s darkly absurdist comedy explores the evils of colonialism by way of Animal Farm because ducks, though inherently majestic and beautiful, are more often than not, the most violent, horrible creatures ever to walk this Earth. So, basically, exactly like us.
Presented by Fox Bramble
Fox Bramble Theatre Company exists to explore the weird and wilder sides of theatre. Founders Backus and Bryer want to get into the prickly, thorny, parts of the canon that are oft left unexplored in favor of more well-trod paths. Like a fox on the hunt, we aim to seek out fresh plays of the American theatre that draw blood.
Featuring: Ryland Garnett, Allison McCall, Gary Penn, Hollie Pryor, Chris Say, Madison Shmalo, Nathan Speckman, and Maya Williams. | Director - Todd Brian Backus, Stage Manager - Beka Bryer, Lighting Designer - Zoë Cheever, Scenic Designer - Jesse Murphy, Sound Designer/Production Manager - Jayson Murray, Props Designer - Katie Pfohl.
Part of the Studio Series at Portland Stage.
Produced in Partnership with Forge Theater Labs.
Sponsored by Another Round.
Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty at Portland Stage Studio Theater Schedule
King Leopold II (Allison McCall), Baron de Crested (Ryland Garnett), the Marquês de Penaquill (Hollie Pryor), Sir Mallard (Madison Shmalo) and De Eend (Chris Say) meet as delegates of the Berlin Conference of 1884 in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty. Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
Mr. Duck (Nate Speckman) meets Otto von Bisquack (Gary Penn) in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty. Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
Mr. Duck (Nate Speckman) is a simple duck from North Quackolina in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty. Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
The Marquês de Penaquill (Hollie Pryor) listens to the drake-splaining Mr. Duck (Nate Speckman) in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty. Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
The Marquês de Penaquill (Hollie Pryor, left) faces off with King Leopold II (Allison McCall, right) while an anxious Mr. Duck looks on in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty. Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
Mr. Duck (Nate Speckman) always gets his fish in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty. Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
Sir Mallard (Madison Shmalo) lectures the Marquês de Penaquill (Holie Pryor) about negotiation etiquette in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty. Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
Mr. Duck (Nate Speckman, right) has a more aggressive negotiation style with Baron de Crested (Ryland Garnett, left) in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty. Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
King Leopold II (Allison McCall, left) tries to fight the Marquês de Penaquill (Hollie Pryor, right) but Sir Mallard (Madison Shmalo) gets in the way as the other delegates look on in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty. Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
“All’s fair in love and politics,” including a little blackmail according to Mr. Duck (Nate Speckman, center left) which impresses the Marquês de Penaquill (Hollie Pryor, left) and irritates Baron de Crested (Ryland Garnett, center right) and Sir Mallard (Madison Shmalo, right) in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty. Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
The Marquês de Penaquill (Hollie Pryor) goes over her new plans for colonizing Africa with Mr. Duck (Nate Speckman) in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty. Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
These politicians don’t just work hard, they play hard in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty (l-r Madison Shmalo, Nate Speckman, Allison McCall, Hollie Pryor, Ryland Garnett, and Chris Say). Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
The duck disco continues in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty (l-r Chris Say, Ryland Garnett, and Hollie Pryor). Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
De Eend (Chris Say) tells the Marquês de Penaquill (Hollie Pryor) that she understands just how difficult it is being a female duck in a drake’s world in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty. Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
Mr. Duck (Nate Speckman, right) whispers in the ear of King Leopold II (Allison McCall, left) in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty. Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
The Marquês de Penaquill (Hollie Pryor) and Kivadangu (Maya Williams) toast to Penaquill’s mad mission in Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty. Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.
Cast and Creative Team for Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty at Portland Stage Studio Theater
Cast
Hollie Pryor
Marquês de Penaquill
Nathan Speckman
Mr. Duck
Gary Penn
Otto von Bisquack
King Leopold II
Ryland Garnett
Baron de Crested
Madison Shmalo
Sir Edward Mallard
Chris Say
De Eend
Maya Williams
Kivadangu
Creative Team
Todd Brian Backus
Director
Rebekah Bryer
Stage Manager
Zoë Cheever
Lighting Designer
Jesse Murphy
Scenic Designer
Jayson Murray
Sound Designer/Production Manager
Katie Pfohl
Props Designer
News About Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty at Portland Stage Studio Theater
About the Theatre
Similar Shows Nearby
Portland Stage Studio Theater Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What shows are coming up next at Portland Stage Studio Theater?
Seven Sisters (10/02/26-10/11/26)
Where is Portland Stage Studio Theater located?
Portland Stage Studio Theater is at 25A Forest Ave, Portland, ME.
What is the running time?
1 Hour 45 Minutes
Is there an intermission?
No Intermission
What ages is this show appropriate for?
Recommended for 16+.
What is the late seating policy?
Late seating will be accommodated at the discretion of the house manager.
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