Throwing Bones

Sojourn Theatre
March 28 - April 13, 2008

Review by Guyon

A piecemeal script with few engaging characters, delivers an obvious message (people die) and predictable conclusion. A disappointing use of space; why do site-specific theatre when the majority of the scenes take place elsewhere? The clinic's stifling acoustics and meager lighting ruins attempts to transport audience to outdoor sangomo rituals.

Good

Sojourn Theatre
Closes July 8, 2007

Fast-changing formats keep audience following (literally) story forward. Physical gathering around action mimics our desire to see further. Disarmingly smooth execution masks extensive preparation of space. First rate lighting creates an almost film-like heightened aesthetic, especially in noir segment. Feels like signature Portland work. Put the key in and drive.

One Day

Sojourn Theatre
Posted by Frenchglen Nov. 12, 2006; closes Nov. 19, 2006

SHORTCUTS for Portland, but with more plot. Dynamic team of ten packed us all over town in search of community. We found humor, adversity, opportunity. Audience hungry for connection, insight at close. In Q&A, someone nailed our theatre future: “How do we attract an audience as diverse as this cast?”

The War Project: 9 Acts of Determination

Sojourn Theatre
March 19, 2006; closes April 15, 2006

Sojourn stages some of Portland’s most thoughtful theatre. Several stinging scenes riled up heedful documentary, ultimately reclaiming/demanding positive attributes of “didactic,” “rhetorical,” “instructive.” Forgoing story structure was chancy, possibly heretical, but meta-staging issue-related discourse yielded no less compelling conversation. Signature interpretive gesticulations somewhat distracting. Wished for less presentation, more immersion.

The Visit

Sojourn Theatre
March 9, 2005

Skillfully theatrical, inventive staging—chilling, creepy. Director Michael Rohd’s concise, original, evocative adaptation left “reverberating thoughts” with modern resonance. Weaknesses: ensemble casting; first-act choreography, voiceovers; third-act songs. But risks fade in shadow of Gretchen Corbett’s revengefully powerful yet vulnerable Claire; Rody Ortega's sound landscape; lighting/shadowing by Dan James. Go Visit.

Witness Our Schools

Sojourn Theatre
December 12, 2004

Thought-provoking performance used the stage as a tool to meld real interviews into didactic rendering of Oregon’s current state of public education. Refreshingly physical use of in-the-round space by agile cast. Effective tool for documenting social issues and opening civic discourse, but this intellectual exposition lacked emotional depth or transformation.