Nick Ortega and Olga Sanchez in Miracle Theatre Group’s production of Oedipus el Rey by Luis Alfaro, opening Thursday, May 3 and continuing through May 26 at the Milagro Theatre, 525 S.E. Stark St.
Community conversations to follow Sunday matinees
A free Oregon Humanities conversation series on influence, power and fate will be held in connection with Miracle Theatre Group’s production of Oedipus el Rey at Milagro Theatre in southeast Portland after each Sunday Matinee throughout the month of May.
Moderated by Miracle MainStage Artistic director Olga Sanchez, the theatre group’s production of the classic Greek play Oedipus el Rey is re-set in modern L.A., where Oedipus’ rise to power happens within a gang “kingdom,” illuminating the prevalence of youth who enter gang life due to the perception that it is their unavoidable destiny.
As gang violence has risen steadily in Portland the past several years, new strategies for intervention and prevention are currently being tested in justice, education and social service agencies.
The modern take on a classic will not only engage a fresh conversation about how we understand youth and their families, but the three free community conversations held each week after performances will also give residents the opportunity to address new strategies for intervention and prevention.
All three conversations will begin at 4:15 p.m., immediately following each Sunday matinee of Oedipus el Rey, May 6, 13 and 20 at El Centro Milagro at 525 S.E. Stark St., where Miracle will host community leaders, social service professionals and scholars to provide an initial exploration of the topics before the discussions open up to audience questions and commentary.
Topics include Exploring Myth of Fate on Sunday, May 6; The Lure of Gangs on Sunday, May 13; and A Gangster’s Destiny on Sunday, May 20.
Guests need not have attended the preceding matinee to participate in the Oregon Humanities conversations, which will have Spanish translation.
Oedipus el Rey opens on Thursday, May 3 with shows continuing through May 26. For tickets or more information, visit milagro.org.
