Director Program Note for Wolf Play

Wolf Play offers a plot that might initially seem like the premise of a Lifetime movie, but it quickly defies expectations to become something strange, thought-provoking, and profoundly theatrical. At its core, this is a family drama, filtered through the imaginative lens of a childhood memory.

When I first encountered this play, the theme of family struck a deep chord with me. The story delves into the dynamics of family—its fragilities, strengths, and our inherent need to belong to a group or “pack.” It also challenges the conventional norms surrounding family structures, highlighting how non-traditional families can disrupt the status quo. Yet, at its heart, every family contains imperfect individuals who navigate shifting allegiances between one another and their own personal desires.

In directing this play, I approach the process by posing questions that I hope to explore with the cast and crew. For instance: What impact does idolizing alpha males and the "lone wolf" archetype have on young boys? How does a child’s sense of self evolve when caught between conflicting ideologies that don’t prioritize their well-being? And what happens when a child’s concept of home is unstable? Our challenge has been to present these complex questions in a way that reflects a child’s perspective—playful, silly, and absurd.

It has been a true pleasure to work with the talented local artists in Portland, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring this unique production to life.