Oregon Origins Project presents Sara Jean Accuardi’s ‘Convergence’

Published 12:15 am Monday, March 11, 2024

Playwright Sara Jean Accuardi is telling a new story about the ancient origins of the state of Oregon, and relying on Cove Palisades in Central Oregon to do it.

“Oregon Origins Project IV: Convergence,” which stages March 15-16 at Reed College, is inspired by the formation of Cove Palisades and the confluence of three desert rivers. The play tells the story of three women whose lives intersect at different stages, and takes its inspiration from the Crooked, Deschutes and Metolius rivers at Cove Palisades.

Oregon Origins Project is an innovative arts and culture initiative that tells of the origins of the state through creative expression.

The project commissioned Accuardi, an Oregon Book Awards winner, to do the play. It’s described in publicity as a multi-layered exploration of art, nature and friendship and “the unexpected ways our lives and our worlds intertwine.”

“Sara Jean Accuardi has crafted a deeply affecting work which brings together big ideas about the mysterious forces which shape our world, our relationships and the creative process — told through the story of three women at different stages of our lives,” said Matthew Packwood, Oregon Origins Project director. “We’re thrilled to present the world premiere of this unique and groundbreaking new work for the stage.”

From publicity:

Each performance will be followed by a presentation on the geologic history of the Cove Palisades and a Q&A with the creative team. The purpose of the presentation is to deepen the audience’s appreciation of the play and their connection to the natural wonders of Oregon. The geology presentation will be given by Daniele McKay, senior instructor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oregon.

It is directed by the renowned actor/director/playwright Josie Seid, resident artist at Artists Repertory Theatre, and stars well-known Portland actors Taya Dixon, Maia McCarthy, and Jayna Sweet. The technical director is Mandy Khoshnevisan, technical director for Bag&Baggage in Hillsboro.

It’ll stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 15-16, at Reed College Greenwood Theatre, 2905 S.E. Botsford Dr.

For tickets and more: oregonorigins.org.

Past Oregon Origins Project ccevents:

“Oregon Origins Project I: Indigenous Voices,” a one-of-a-kind gathering of Native American artists and culture bearers from across Oregon;

“Oregon Origins Project II: Seven Wonders,” a new contemporary music and dance work exploring the ancient forces that shaped Oregon’s wild places;

“Oregon Origins Project III: Maa~‑xuslh‑ghalh‑ta Tututni Dené (A Year in Tututni Dené Seasons),” a journey through the seasonal traditions of the southwest Oregon coast Indigenous peoples.