Reviews of Redwood
What Critics are Saying
"Allen, who also appears in the production, splices together race, identity and genealogy in a provocative piece that couldn't feel more timely in an increasingly multiracial America ... a challenging, memorable production that bodes well for the company’s Wolf era." – The Oregonian
"Redwood is an insightful, funny, of-the-moment (occasionally tear-inspiring) play about race and identity ... The play recognizes the horrors of our collective past and the complexity of our present, while looking optimistically toward the future." – BroadwayWorld
"Allen’s genius lies in her ability to grapple with the issues of our history and our country’s racism in its many incarnations; to play real, hard and fair to get every member of the audience engaged in what she is saying; and to do it with comedy, wit, and grace." – Judy Nedry
What Audiences are Saying
"Hilarious, meaningful, and grounded! The stylization of the vignettes was phenomenal and felt incredibly new and refreshing onstage."
"Captivating and super entertaining."
"A clever, thought-provoking, important play. Go see it!"
"So gorgeous! I will never forget this riveting dance!!"
"Wonderful, shocking and funny at the same time. I would see it again!"
"Everything about the show was superb. The ending was unexpected and sudden and I loved it."
More about Redwood:
The Original Music of Redwood
By turns electric, haunting, and joyful, Derek A. Graham's original score enriches the world of Brittany K. Allen's sharp, compassionate comedy. Listen to the full soundtrack now, plus a song inspired by the play.
Live Sketch Artists for Redwood
We invited local comic artists to a dress rehearsal of Redwood to sketch their impressions of the show. Check out the results!
Our Tangled Roots: An interview with Redwood playwright and performer Brittany K. Allen
In Redwood, Brittany K. Allen uses her signature playfulness, verve, and bold theatricality to scale the branches of our shared American lineage. Here, she digs into the genesis of her new play — our 28th world premiere to date and the very first selected by Artistic Director Marissa Wolf.
Current & Upcoming
Piano Bar with Courtney Freed and David Saffert
Join us for this monthly event with local songstress Courtney Freed and Portland-based pianist David Saffert as they host a good old-fashioned PIANO BAR.
NASSIM
From Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour (creator of the Off-Broadway smash hit White Rabbit, Red Rabbit) comes an audacious new theatrical experiment, presented in collaboration with Boom Arts. Each night, a new, unrehearsed local performer joins the playwright on stage, while the script waits, unseen, in a sealed box... Touchingly autobiographical yet powerfully universal, NASSIM is a striking theatrical demonstration of how language can both divide and unite us.
Coriolanus
Shakespeare’s tragedy about the war hero Coriolanus and the fight between the elite and the deprived masses will be fueled by a dynamic female and non-binary ensemble with a muscular, movement-focused staging.
First Annual 503 Day
Portland's first annual 503 Day. Discounts on tickets, drink specials, and more!
Pre-Show Music with Chera Chera
As part of BIPOC Affinity Night for Nassim, join us for a pre-show music performance featuring Chera Chera, blending Iranian music and Farsi lyrics for the matinee crowds.
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
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