Urban Rural Theater Project

We are on a mission to collect and tell true verbatim stories that excavate and deepen our collective understanding of the “urban rural divide” in the state of Oregon. The goal of the project is to give voice to unheard narratives, honor the stories of those interviewed, and invite audiences into a deeper conversation about community and connection, myth and lived experience, harm and progress as it pertains to the “urban-rural divide.”

ABOUT

Theater artists, Sarah and Jack Greenman, are working with Eastern Oregon University students through the REV Center to collect and tell true verbatim stories that excavate and deepen our collective understanding of the “urban rural divide” in the state of Oregon. The goal of the project is to give voice to unheard narratives, honor the stories of those interviewed, and invite audiences into a deeper conversation about community and connection, myth and lived experience, harm and progress as it pertains to the “urban-rural divide.”

Interviews were conducted with more than 30 individuals across the state to identify common themes and utilize the words of real people to write a script for a verbatim theater production. These individuals represent the stories less often told in mainstream media including rural folks, women, Native Americans, formerly incarcerated individuals, and the LGBTQ+ community.

The Urban Rural Theatre Project had public readings on April 25-27, 2024 in McKenzie Theater at Eastern Oregon University. Five professional actors ranging in age and with diverse acting experience represented numerous characters voicing the experiences of the people Sarah interviewed. 

How can telling a story bridge the urban/rural divide?

Luckily, there is more that connects us than separates us. Our brains are hard-wired to respond to stories. The purpose of art is to unlock hidden solutions and reveal unexpected answers. It is, by nature, exploratory. By excavating real lived experiences and sharing these stories, we can give valuable context to the central issues of our time. Story-telling is a powerful social tool that creates pathways for equitable communication, collaborative solutions, and collective growth. Sharing stories that reflect the full scope of the Oregonian experience can catalyze audiences into productive dialogue and positive action. This is as true for small-town community organizers as it is for state legislators.

What’s next?

After the public readings in April 2024, Sarah is incorporating audience reactions and feedback to further develop the script as funding sources are sought to bring the Urban Rural Theatre Project into production and, ultimately, touring the state.