For Fertile Ground we wanted to revisit a couple of our favorite plays from years past, so we're presenting readings of Next of Kin and Live, from Douglas.

We've worked with Portland playwright Steve Patterson's play Next of Kin twice, with a FreshWorks reading in October 2008 and a LabWorks workshop in August of 2010. The Fertile Ground reading will present a revised version of the script, incorporating what Steve learned from the workshop of the play.

We've also had two experiences with Portland playwright Andrew Wardenaar's play Live, from Douglas, first with a FreshWorks reading in April of 2008 and then with a LabWorks workshop in August of 2009. Since then Andrew has been doing some work on his script, and we're going to give it another reading to help him see where he's gotten to with it.

Both readings will take place at the Mago Hunt Theater at the University of Portland (5000 N. Willamette Blvd, Portland OR 97203). Admission is $5. No reservations, but there is plenty of seating, so you won't be turned away.

Mike is a Marine Casualty Assistance Officer who informs parents and spouses their loved one has been killed. Mike's brother Rich is a Marine recruiter trying to fill his quotas. Their sister Angie was left at home to care for their father, a Vietnam Vet and former Marine, who now lies in a coma having attempted to kill himself. Reuniting over their father's deathbed, they are forced to face the complex relationships they have with each other as they pick up the pieces their father left behind.

The cast will include Tony Cull, Garland Lyons, and Lindsay Matteson.

Note: Next of Kin contains adult language and situations.

Hell hath no panic like a Douglas revealed, although until now that wasn't a problem. Douglas is a happy, hidden town. Everyone is named Doug, likes tea, and gardening, and the quiet life. The world doesn't bother them and they don't bother the world. Until a renegade Doug invites radio reporter Harriet Mirion to do a piece on Douglas. Will the feature she's planning ruin their little utopia?

The cast will include Greg Alexander, Deirdre Atkinson, Tony Cull, Garland Lyons, and Paul Susi.

$5. Univ. of Portland Mago Hunt Theater (5000 N. Willamette Blvd)

Consider buying a Fertile Ground Festival Pass for $50, which gets you admission to all participating Fertile Ground events during the 10-day festival (please note, you do still need to make reservations for many events as a passholder). When your purchase you pass you can designate $15 of the purchase price to go to Portland Theatre Works! It's fast, it's easy, and it costs you nothing extra.

Buy your Festival Passes Here!

These readings take place at 7 p.m. on the 3rd Monday (usually) of every month at Profile Theater at Theater!Theatre! in southeast Portland (3430 SE Belmont St., Portland, OR). All of the readings are FREE and open to the public. We're very pleased to be partnering with the Profile Theatre in presenting this program.

To read more about the FreshWorks program in general, click here.

Portland Theatre Works is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to developing new work for the theatre. Our goal is to provide playwrights with the time, space, tools, and artistic support required to fully develop their plays and refine their craft.