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Preview image for Production History & Trivia for *Coriolanus*

Production History & Trivia for Coriolanus

Written between 1605-1608, Coriolanus is based on Plutarch's account of a Roman general and may have been inspired by a period of civil unrest in Shakespeare's era. In more recent times, actors from Morgan Freeman to Ian McKellen to Tom Hiddleston have played the title role in notable productions.

Various props, costume items, and laundry baskets gathered on the floor and stacked on chairs in a backstage area.

Behind The Curtain: Co-Pro!

What is a "co-pro?" Production Coordinator Haille Lantz-Sweeney explains how co-productions are a special collaborative process that allows different theatre companies to join forces, with staff, resources, and creative ideas all working in harmony to create an experience like Quixote Nuevo.

Preview image for An Old Story Made New

An Old Story Made New

What to know about Don Quixote de la Mancha (1605) to understand Quixote Nuevo (2019)
Octavio Solis’ play Quixote Nuevo is inspired by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s book Don Quixote de la Mancha written in 1605: perhaps the most famous novel ever written in the Spanish language. To understand the play, it is useful to know a little about the original story. 

Preview image for Frontera Glossary: Border Glosario

Frontera Glossary: Border Glosario

Quixote Nuevo is a play that welcomes both English and Spanish speakers into its audience. Here are a few words your ear might encounter as you follow Don Quixote on his journey throughout La Plancha, Texas.

Preview image for A Picture of Life on the Border

A Picture of Life on the Border

Much of Quixote Nuevo takes place in aging professor Joe Quijano’s “fever dream” as he struggles with encroaching dementia. Throughout the play, we’re provided a window into Quijano’s imagination—a karaoke bar becomes a castle, a herd of sheep sounds like a dragon.

While these fantastical elements are important, the play is ...

Preview image for Making it Nuevo: A Conversation with Playwright Octavio Solis

Making it Nuevo: A Conversation with Playwright Octavio Solis

Considered one of the most prominent Latino playwrights in North America, Octavio Solis has been produced from New York to California and everywhere in between. Read what he has to say about his play Quixote Nuevo, the characteristic humor of the play, and what keeps him writing.

Preview image for Reviews of *NASSIM*

Reviews of NASSIM

"In this play, the playwright is inviting the guest performer, and the audience, into a dance of empathy and connection." —Oregon ArtsWatch

"For an evening, family love and language learning successfully brought Nassim’s audience back to when they were all young." —Willamette Weekly

"NASSIM is more ...

A banner that reads "Women's Rights are Human Rights" hangs on fence in front of the U.S. Capitol building.

“Of Every Age, Sex and Condition:” Women and the Constitution

From the beginning of this country, there have been discussions of gender and race as it pertains to lawmaking. For more than 100 years, a proposed amendment to the Constitution has been awaiting ratification to solidify equal rights for women.

The first page of the U.S. Constitution on yellowed parchment cropped to highlight the words "We the People" and a portion of Article I.

The United States Constitution

A brief history and description of America's founding document, to help you prepare for What the Constitution Means to Me.

Smiling men and women wearing black robes pose side-by-side in a wood-paneled room; image is cropped so only 6 of 9 justices are visible.

The Supreme Court

As background for What the Constitution Means to Me, read about the origins, role, powers, and current makeup of the United States Supreme Court.

Smiling men and women wearing black robes pose side-by-side in a wood-paneled room; image is cropped so only 6 of 9 justices are visible.

Women’s Rights Movements

At the core of What the Constitution Means to Me is the lack of explicit inclusion of women's rights in the U.S. Constitution. Often called the Feminist Movement, the pursuit of women’s rights has taken several “waves” as the needs of women have evolved over time.

A woman stands with one hand on her hip and one hand to her forehead, partially covering her closed eyes.

Intimate Partner & Family Violence

In What the Constitution Means to Me, the main character, Heidi, describes several instances of domestic violence and violence towards women. The following information was provided to the creative team at our first rehearsal.

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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