Artists Repertory Theatre Announces 2014-15 Season: BLITHE SPIRIT, EXILES & More

Artists Repertory Theatre's 2014/15 season will further its mission of engaging diverse audiences in fresh, thought-provoking and intimate theatre. Next season's play offerings will assert Artists Rep's role as Portland's premiere mid-size regional theatre company by offering six major Portland premieres, alongside two classic masterpieces. The play selections will feature four Pulitzer Prize-recognized playwrights, and offer a diverse mix of theatrical styles, themes, settings and experiences. The season will feature the work of Artists Rep's Resident Artist Company, alongside guest artists from Portland's world-class theatre community and beyond.

"I couldn't wait to share this eight-show lineup, which includes six extraordinary new plays, and a pair of 20th Century classics ready for revival, so we are releasing our season earlier than ever before," said Dámaso Rodriguez, Artistic Director. "No matter the subject or style, whether comedy or drama, our audiences next season are certain to find a mix of experiences that appeal to their particular tastes and interests. These beautifully crafted plays of depth and diversity will draw playgoers in to their unique settings, characters and situations; and like all great art experiences, you may look at the world a little differently after the lights fade."

Rodriguez plans to grow Artists Rep's artistic company with Portland's finest talent of all theatrical disciplines. Current Resident Artists include Linda Alper (actor/playwright), Vana O'Brien (actor & Artists Rep co-founder), Michael Mendelson (actor & director), Allen Nause (actor & director), Kristeen Willis-Crosser (lighting & scenic designer), Rodolfo Ortega (composer & sound designer) and Owen Carey (resident photographer).

With the 2014/15 season, Artists Rep will transition to a four-week run of show. The play run will include four preview performances, Opening Night will continue to be on the Saturday following previews, and performances will continue for three weeks on Wednesdays through Sundays.

ARTISTS REPERTORY THEATRE'S 2014/15 SEASON

Intimate Apparel
by Lynn Nottage
Guest Director TBA
Sept 9 - Oct 5
Portland Premiere
A riveting, romantic tale by this Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright about the empowerment of Esther, an African American seamstress in 1905 NYC, who creates exquisite lingerie for both Fifth Avenue boudoirs and tenderloin bordellos.
Alder Stage

Exiles
by Carlos Lacamara
Directed by Dámaso Rodriguez
Sept 30 - Oct 26
NW Premiere
When a storm leaves their tiny vessel helplessly adrift at sea, tension escalates as six Cuban refugees find themselves in a desperate battle against the elements, each other and their past.
Morrison Stage

Blithe Spirit
by Noël Coward
Guest Director TBA
Nov 25 - Dec 21
Otherworldly Classic
This comedic masterpiece will haunt our holiday season. Vana O'Brien in a role she was born to play as the eccentric clairvoyant who inadvertently summons spirits from the beyond.
Alder Stage

Tribes
by Nina Raine
Directed by Dámaso Rodriguez
Feb 3 - Mar 1
Portland Premiere
A scintillating drama about Billy, the only deaf member of his family, as his search for belonging sparks fierce and often funny tensions at home. 2012 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play.
Alder Stage

The Invisible Hand
by Ayad Akhtar
Directed by Allen Nause
Mar 10 - Apr 5
NW Premiere co-produced with Seattle's ACT Theatre
The 2013 Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright's tense plot involves a kidnapped American "futures" trader in Pakistan playing the market for his life.
Morrison Stage

The Price
by Arthur Miller
Guest Director TBA
Mar 31 - Apr 26
Rare Revival
In this seldom-seen masterpiece, two estranged brothers must sift through a lifetime of their deceased father's
possessions as they negotiate with a mysterious buyer.
Alder Stage

4000 Miles
by Amy Herzog
Guest Director TBA
Apr 28 - May 24
NW Premiere
A cross-country bike trip from the Pacific NW brings 21-year old Leo, unannounced, to his 91-year old grandmother's West Village apartment. These unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder and ultimately reach each other. 2013 Pulitzer Finalist.
Morrison Stage

The Liar
by David Ives, adapted from the comedy by Pierre Corneille
Guest Director TBA
May 26 - June 21
Northwest Premiere
From the brilliant comedic mind of David Ives (All in the Timing, Venus in Fur) comes a hilarious "transla-daptation" of the 17th Century French romp, replete with mistaken identities and tangled truths.
Alder Stage