Computer graphic of small girl day dreaming of a couple smiling at each other.
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Once on This Island

April 12 – October 30, 2022 Angus Bowmer Theatre
Immerse Director's Notes Cast Play Lines Suitability Study Guide
Immerse Director's Notes Cast Play Lines Suitability Study Guide

Once on a golden and verdant Caribbean island, a little girl is rescued from a disastrous storm by four gods—Asaka, Mother of the Earth; Agwé, god of Water; Erzulie, goddess of Love; and Papa Ge, demon of Death. So starts the myth told in this breathtaking story of Black joy and sorrow, the aftermath of colonization and isolation, and the triumph of love against all forces. Told with Caribbean rhythms and instruments, this Tony Award–winning musical is a testament that a beautiful story simply told has the power to inspire and heal all.

Once on This Island
A Musical
Book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Based Upon the Novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy
Directed by Lili-Anne Brown

April 12 - October 30
Opening night: April 23
Angus Bowmer Theatre

 

(Approximate running time: 1 hour, 35 minutes, with no intermission.)


Immerse

Lili-Anne Brown
Director's Notes
I have been wanting to see Once on This Island through a Black interpretive lens for a very long time—since its debut, really. For so long, this story has had the cultural specificity filed down in favor of a general Caribbean “flavor” to supposedly make it “more accessible.” I am excited to see what happens if we get more culturally specific. I am excited to have an artistic conversation about Haiti and the ravages of colonialism, especially right now. I want to give better representation to the traditions of African diasporic religions like Vodou, which are usually exoticized, vilified, or portrayed as “made up” or “magical.” I know there is more richness to be mined in this story than what we’ve seen. Believe it or not, I’ve been pitching that idea for 30 years, and it took the vision of Nataki Garrett to finally hear “yes, let’s do it!”

— Lili-Anne Brown

Cast

* Member of Actors' Equity Association (AEA)
** AEA Professional Theatre Intern

Creative Team

Collin Hall
Assistant Lighting Designer

* Member of Actors' Equity Association (AEA)
** AEA Professional Theatre Intern

Understudies

* Member of Actors' Equity Association (AEA)
** AEA Professional Theatre Intern

Musicians

Memorable Lines from the Play

“The courage of a dreamer,
the innocence of youth,
the failures and the foolishness
that lead us to the truth.”

“The ones who came before you,
the others yet to come,
and those who you will teach it to,
and those you learned it from.
You are part, part of the human heart.”

“Life is why we tell the story!
Pain is why we tell the story!
Love is why we tell the story!
Grief is why we tell the story!
Hope is why we tell the story!
Faith is why we tell the story!
You are why we tell the story!”
Suitability Suggestions

Once on This Island touches on some frightening and passionate moments; therefore, it may be best suited for children who are able to handle the subject matter. This riveting, magical tale will delight playgoers of all ages.

For additional content warnings regarding violence or graphic depictions that may be upsetting to some audience members, please see our Content Warnings page (may contain spoilers).

Accessibility

The Angus Bowmer Theatre is outfitted with an elevator that takes patrons to either Row E or Row K.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is committed to accessibility. We recognize the needs of persons with disabilities and strive to make our facilities and productions accessible to all. We are presently planning our Access/Accessibility programs for 2022; please watch our Accessibility page for details as they develop.

Download this show's Study Guide

Our 2022 Season