Oh, do I miss it. JTC, founded in 2008 by Sacha Reich, had a glorious run until it didn’t and decided to go into hibernation.

Or dormancy, or any other name you want to give a state that is hopefully temporary.

http://www.jewishtheatrecollaborative.org/about.html

The Collaborative focussed on works with Jewish content, often creating a play from scratch based on books or other literary forms. Some were easy fables, some where the most complex narratives you can imagine, folded into the tight space of an evening’s theatre, plot, character development, underlying themes and all.

Although partially supported by Jewish organizations in town, financially or in kind – when the PDX section of the National Council of Jewish Women still existed we certainly funded some of JTC’s endeavors – they were generally recognized for the depth and quality of their work by non-Jewish funding agencies as well. But it is extremely difficult to stay afloat in a small town with so many competing companies, all in need of a slice of the pie.  I want to stress, however, that I do not know if financial difficulties led to the recent period of dormancy, or the workload that was heaped on too few people who devoted much of their lives to the cause, or whatever reasons there might have been. All I know is that it is a loss for our community.

 

I photographed their rehearsals for years, appreciative of how much local talent was willing to participate in these plays. I also marveled at their knack of raiding the thrift stores for diverse wardrobe items – they did costume and mask with relish, and with a strong sense of what visually worked with their lighting. I selected a wide range of photos today with an eye on regulars and that exuberant “disguise.”

 

 

 

 

Sacha Reich is directing a new play about a mixed race transgender girl, The Mermaid Hour, opening at Milagro, I believe, today, 3/22. http://milagro.org/event/the-mermaid-hour/  

Here is a preview: http://www.orartswatch.org/the-mermaid-hour-rolls-around/ 

I am sure it is going to be quite a ride.