Joe Turner's Come and Gone at Portland Playhouse

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, set in a 1911 Pittsburgh boarding house, follows Herald Loomis’ search for identity and belonging. This August Wilson masterpiece captures the essence of the African American post- slavery experience, weaving together themes of heritage, freedom, and the deep yearning for a place to call home. 

As Loomis searches for his lost family, his journey mirrors the broader African American pursuit of identity and cultural grounding following the abolition of slavery. This narrative is a profound reflection on resilience, community bonds, and the indomitable spirit of freedom.

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a powerful exploration of the significance of community in guiding individual journeys, and the unbreakable desire to find where one truly belongs. It is a story of rebirth & a celebration of African American resilience and a reminder of the power of discovering where you belong.