Ariana Reines’ TELEPHONE To Be Presented At Reed College

Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble will present Ariana Reines’s TELEPHONE at the Reed College Performing Arts Building this summer. Preview performances will take place June 25-26, with the official run scheduled for June 27 through July 11.

Inspired by The Telephone Book, the life of Alexander Graham Bell, and the writings of Carl Jung, the play examines communication, technology, and human connection. The production asks audiences to consider how technology reflects a deeper desire “to be known.”

The production will be directed by PETE company member Rebecca Lingafelter and feature performances by Jacob Coleman, Cristi Miles, Damaris Webb, Roo Welsh, and Amber Whitehall. Dramaturgy is by Chris Gonzalez.

The design team includes scenic designer Peter Ksander, lighting designer Miranda K. Hardy, Costume Designer Jenny Ampersand, sound designer Mark Valadez, and Trevor Sargent, who will create technology and special systems for the production. Kristina Mast serves as stage manager and Molly Gardner as production manager.

TELEPHONE was originally commissioned by The Foundry Theatre and first presented at Cherry Lane Theatre in 2009. The original production received two Obie Awards for Best Direction and Best Performance.

Founded in 2011, PETE develops original and experimental performance work through collaborative creation processes. The company’s previous productions include Aw, Hell, a seagull, Cardiac Organ: A Goth Cabaret, The Americans, Weather Room, and Our Ruined House. The organization also operates The Institute for Contemporary Performance, a year-long training and new work incubator program for artists.