NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 18, 2024
CONTACT: Sarah Greenman, sarah.greenman@gmail.com, (805) 268-5822

(La Grande, OR) - In its initial theatrical debut, the Urban Rural Theater Project presents a workshop reading of a play crafted from four years of interviews with Oregonians, aiming to foster authentic dialogue about the state's identity.

Scheduled public readings will take place in McKenzie Theater at Eastern Oregon University, on April 25, 26, & 27 at 7:00 PM, providing a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with Oregon's diverse narrative. Tickets are not required and there is no cost to attend.

This marks the first public sharing of the play's script, following an extensive interview process spanning the state. Playwright and community organizer Sarah Greenman spearheads the project, aiming to bridge the perceived urban-rural divide through storytelling. Greenman is the executive director of the American Leadership Forum or Oregon.

“The urban-rural divide in Oregon is painfully real,” Greenman said. “And bridging the divide is critical to the sustainability of our communities, our nonprofit service organizations, our universities, our government agencies, our businesses, and the overall health of our state. Luckily, there is more that connects us than separates us.”

Five professional actors ranging in age and with diverse acting experience will represent numerous characters voicing the experiences of the people Greenman has interviewed. 

The project's genesis in 2019 underscores a commitment to excavating real lived experiences and fostering meaningful conversations across differences. By giving voice to unheard narratives, the project aims to catalyze dialogue and positive action in Oregon's communities. 

The Urban Rural Theater Project is supported by Eastern Oregon University, the Rural Engagement & Vitality Center, and Wallowa Resources. More information can be found at www.revcenter.org/urban-rural-theater.