Artists Rep to Present Jane Anderson's THE QUALITY OF LIFE, Begin. 4/8

Artists Rep will present the Northwest Premiere of The Quality of Life by Jane Anderson, from April 8 through May 11. Former Artists Rep Artistic Director Allen Nause will direct this provocative and deeply moving production featuring a stellar cast of some of Portland's most well-known and talented actors.

It turns out that true love knows no bounds, family roots run true and there are a few things red wine and a bong hit won't fix. Jeanette and Neil live off the land in a yurt on the site of their Northern California home, recently destroyed by a massive fire. Neil is dying. Jeannette's long-lost cousin and her husband are coming from the Midwest for a visit after losing their daughter. In a love story and comedic drama that plumbs societal, religious and ethical divides, the couples explore their respective life perspectives with finesse, humor, honesty and respect.

The World Premiere production at Los Angeles' Geffen Playhouse won the 2007 Ted Schmitt Award for Outstanding New Play. It also won a 2008 Ovation Award for Best New Play after its production at San Francisco's American Conservatory Theatre.

"I love this play because it is built around death but is ultimately about what it means to live, and our responsibility to the loved ones we leave behind" said Allen Nause, the production's director. He continues, "This is a tricky play, full of surprises and landmine issues - but they are treated so delicately that it is hard to stick to side, you may walk in with notions, but be prepared to shift."

"I am so happy to welcome Allen Nause back to direct at Artists Rep in my first season as Artistic Director," said Dámaso Rodriguez. "I and the entire The Quality of Life company is filled with artists who share decades of history creating great theatre together in Portland. It's the perfect team for Jane Anderson's deeply meaningful and universally resonant play."