Oregon Children's Theatre Presents AND IN THIS CORNER: CASSIUS CLAY

Every superhero has an origin story. Twelve-year-old Cassius Clay's story begins in segregated Louisville, KY, when his bike gets stolen and he meets a police officer who teaches him how to box. Step into the ring with Cassius as he becomes one of the world's greatest boxers and civil rights advocates, Muhammad Ali.

And in This Corner: Cassius Clay tells the little-known story of the childhood of Muhammed Ali. Through this production, OCT aims to foster dialogue and a deeper understanding of the complex social issues that contribute to inequity, and intend for our young audiences to be inspired by Cassius Clay's decision to reach beyond personal success to contribute to greater community good.

"Idris Goodwin's script captivated me from the moment I read the opening stage direction," said Co-Director Stan Foote. "'In darkness their time to reveal Cassius jumping rope.' The script authentically highlights Cassius Clay as he emerges from a skinny 12-year-old to become the icon, Muhammad Ali. Along the way, the play offers insights about our collective racial, cultural, and sports history that will impact audiences like a sock to the jaw."

Audiences can come to our lobby a little early for the Vanport Mosaic Project's display on the history of Vanport, Oregon. Vanport was home to about 40,000 people in the 1940s, 40% of which were African American. The city was destroyed in 1948 by a flood, but is an integral part of Portland's racial history. In addition to the Vanport display, audiences can enjoy historical videos of Muhammad Ali boxing.

On February 15, 2018 at 7pm, OCT will host Oregon Humanities Conversation Project, "What Does It Mean to Be Good?" a facilitated conversation with equity, diversity, and inclusion trainer, Brittany M. Wake. The discussion will cover our moral responsibilities in a society of privilege, power, and oppression and what makes us consider ourselves to be "good" people. The event will take place at OCT, 1939 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, and will be free of charge. Anyone 14 and up is welcome to attend.

The cast features La' Tevin Alexander as Cassius Clay, Jared Mack as Joe Martin, Charles L. Grant as Eddie, Eric Island as Cash, Damaris Webb as Odessa, Johnny Crawford as Rudy, Sullivan Mackintosh as Waitress, Gerrin Mitchell as Corky, and Sten Eikrem as Zbigniew Pietrzykowski.

The creative team includes: Stan Foote and Jerry Foster (Co-Directors), Tal Sanders (Scenic Designer), Miranda k Hardy (Lighting Designer), Wanda Walden (Costume Designer), Damaris Webb (Boxing Choreographer), and Rodolfo Ortega (Sound Designer).

NOTABLE PERFORMANCE EVENTS

Before Every Performance: Come a little early for a pre-show activity! Check out the Vanport Mosaic Project's Display on Vanport, OR and see historical videos of Muhammad Ali boxing.

Following Every Performance: Meet the cast, take photos, and get your playbill autographed!

Sunday, March 4th and March 25th: Grandparent Day. Join us for special senior (age 62+) ticket prices on the first and last Sunday of each show. Tickets are 25% off.

Saturday, March 10th, 2:00 pm: Interpreted performance in American Sign Language.

Saturday, March 10th, all shows: Scout Day. Tickets for Girl and Boy Scouts are discounted 25%. Fun patches are available for sale for $2 each (order in advance).

About Oregon Children's Theatre

Founded in 1988, Oregon Children's Theatre (OCT) has served well over two million children,

teachers, and families. Its mission is to create exceptional theater experiences that transform lives. OCT is Oregon's largest nonprofit professional performing arts company for young audiences and a resident company of Portland'5 Centers for the Arts. Performances are held weekdays for school audiences and on weekends for family audiences. OCT serves more than 120,000 children of all ages each year. OCT offers numerous school services including study guides, teacher professional development opportunities, in-school workshops, and an extensive outreach program. In partnership with Kaiser Permanente, the Educational Theatre Program provides free touring productions that promote healthy living. OCT's year round Acting Academy offers theater classes for children ages 3-18 and Young Professionals Company, a mentoring program for teens.

Production support for And in This Corner: Cassius Clay is provided by The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation and Boeing. Funding for Oregon Children's Theatre's 2017-2018 season is provided in part by the Shubert Foundation, the Regional Arts & Culture Council, and Work for Art. Oregon Children's Theatre receives support from the Oregon Arts Commission, a state agency funded by the State of Oregon and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Written by Idris Goodwin. Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)

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