Where We Belong
An Indigenous theater-maker journeys across geographic borders, personal history, and cultural legacies in search of a place to belong.
In 2015, Achokayis, a Mohegan theater-maker, moves to England to pursue a Ph.D. in Shakespeare, grappling with the question of what it means to remain or leave, as the Brexit vote threatens to further disengage the UK from the wider world. Moving between nations that have failed to reckon with their ongoing roles in colonialism, she finds comfort in the journeys of her Native ancestors who had to cross the ocean in the 1700s to help their people. In this intimate and exhilarating solo piece directed by Mei Ann Teo, playwright Madeline Sayet asks us what it means to belong in an increasingly globalized world.
“An important story — thought-provoking, respectful, and alive.” –MD Theatre Guide
Wrestling with Shakespeare and Native American identity
Check out this Seattle Times interview with Madeline Sayet on her journey writing and performing Where We Belong.
Where We Belong
- Portland Center Stage presents the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company production of Where We Belong in association with Folger Shakespeare Library
- By Madeline Sayet
- Directed by Mei Ann Teo
Sat, Mar 25, 2023
For the 7:30 p.m. performance of Where We Belong
We invite all who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and their guests, to attend a performance of Where We Belong.
GENERAL PERFORMANCE TIMES*
Evenings
Wednesdays – Sundays at 7:30 p.m.
Matinees
Saturdays & Sundays at 2 p.m.
Select Thursdays at 2 p.m.
*Schedule may vary for some shows. Please check our season calendar to confirm.
Approximately 80 minutes. No intermission.
Audio Described
March 12, 2 p.m.
Sign Interpreted
March 16, 7:30 p.m.
Open Captioned
March 18, 2 p.m.
NOTE: Assistive listening devices are available for all performances.
We are committed to making our performances and facilities accessible to all of our patrons.
This production is recommended for ages 13 and up. It contains flashing lights, depictions of racism, and discussions of borders, war, loss of language, residential schools, colonial theft of human remains, and repatriation.
Learn more by calling 503-445-3700.
We have deals to meet every schedule and budget!
Health and flexibility are our top priorities. Please read about the protocols we have in place to ensure the health and safety of our patrons, artists, staff, and community.
Where We Belong Reading List
Calling all readers! Multnomah County Library put together a reading list inspired by our production of Where We Belong.
Live Podcast: Klyph Notes with DJ Klyph with guest Bocha
DJ Klyph is a staple of the Portland scene and consistently provides local hip-hop communities through terrestrial radio (XRAY.FM) and live events (My People's Market, The Numberz FM, etc.). The Klyph Notes program is now coming to Portland Center Stage with an opportunity for fans to be a part of a live recording of the podcast and interact with host Klyph, resident DJ O.G.ONE, and special guest Bocha.
March First Thursday with DJ Gila Suspectum and DJ Lapaushi
Join us for March First Thursday featuring DJ Gila Suspectum (UwU PDX collective member and Director of the Portland Two Spirit Society) and DJ Lapaushi (Noche Libre DJ collective) as they spin music that spans across varied genres and geography.
Pre-show Author Talk with Anthony Hudson
Anthony Hudson, the human avatar for Portland's own Carla Rossi, will share a selection of material written for the Clown Queen herself before diving into the first-ever public reading from his forthcoming book Looking for Tiger Lily, a new memoir adapted from Anthony's internationally-touring solo stage show.
The People's Party: BIPOC Affinity Night for Where We Belong
We invite all who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and their guests, to attend a performance of Where We Belong.
In the News
Seattle Times interviews Mohegan theater artist Madeline Sayet about her solo show Where We Belong. View the feature.
Critic Reviews
“An important story — thought-provoking, respectful, and alive.” –MD Theatre Guide
“Will inspire and demand your utmost attention, from beginning to end.” –Times Square Chronicles
"Where We Belong illuminate[s] a culture, in the past and in the present, that we should know more about." –New York Theater
“There are stories of her mother, her elders, her responses to Shakespeare, and the ways she believes that her culture’s insights can transform theater.” –DC Metro Theater Arts
“Witnessing that kind of passion for storytelling on stage is theater magic.” –BroadwayWorld
"Where We Belong belongs to the realms of both theatre and lecture, cultural retrospective and personal memoir." –New York Theatre Guide
“Where We Belong tells [the tale] with grace and humanity.” –Metro Weekly
National Audience Raves
"I love being challenged, educated, and exploring our world through your plays. This play will stay with me a while."
"This was a spectacular production, and I'm so, so glad I saw it."
"I love, love, loved the show. Sayet is brilliant, and this was a moving, thoughtful, sharp piece."
"Wonderful and very meaningful performance! I normally struggle with one-person shows, but this show was extremely engaging and I was riveted from start to finish."
"Madeline's performance really shook me — in the best possible way, and made me do a lot of reflection after."
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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