"Aside from the nationally famous amphibian who cavorted in front of the ICE facility in South Portland, though, our theaters were alight with the passion and profound insights brought to us by an array of directors, actors, musicians and designers. Not only has their work sparked conversation and mirrored the pain and joy of being human - in general and specifically in 2025 - these artists offered us something we all crave: delight and entertainment."
"ArtsWatch's Darleen Ortega found proof of that in theaters throughout Portland. In reviewing Profile Theatre's Lauren Yee play Samsara (previewed by Bobby Bermea here), she wrote, "It's a gift crafted to seep into your consciousness in the best and most complicated ways." About Third Rail's A Case for the Existence of God, she noted that the show's stars, Charles Grant and Isaac Lamb, embody "a fullness and generosity that would hardly seem possible without the sort of deep grappling that does not come easily.""
Oregon theaters in 2025 showcased a broad array of passionate, insightful productions that combined entertainment with social and emotional reflection. Local directors, actors, musicians and designers presented works that sparked conversation and mirrored pain and joy. Federal arts funding was reduced, but local theater artists remained a resilient and vibrant presence. Marissa Wolf, artistic director of Portland Center Stage, said, "We will not be erased. We will not be silenced." Productions included Lauren Yee's Samsara, Third Rail's A Case for the Existence of God, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, Paradise Blue, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival stagings including works by Black American playwrights and Into the Woods.
Read at Oregon ArtsWatch * Arts & Culture News
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