Shakespeare troupe has Leach Garden debut

INCLUDES PERFORMANCE EXCERPT VIDEO | Their brief season is over, find out why Oregon Adventure Theatre came to perform at Leach Botanical Garden a few weeks ago …

In Leach Botanical Garden, having come from the Irvington neighborhood to see a Shakespeare comedy, is the Ganeshan family.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

For the first time ever, cast and crew with of the Oregon Adventure Theatre came to put on shows at Leach Botanical Garden on July 12 and 14, turning an area of the Upper Garden into an open-air theater.

Their show this year, William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, was performed in the style of Commedia Dell’arte – that is with masks, costumes and a few props.

Displaying their official poster for their 2024 season is Oregon Adventure Theatre Artistic Director Eleanor Johnson.

“Speaking as the Artistic Director of the show, we’re so happy to be bringing our program here to Leach Botanical Garden,” commented Oregon Adventure Theatre’s Eleanor Johnson as the cast was arriving.

“This is our first time performing here, and hopefully not the last!” she exclaimed.

During their “circle-up” before show time, the cast disregards the 95° temperature and pumps up their energy.

Leach Botanical Garden is ideal for their troupe, Johnson pointed out. “It ‘s because we are all about doing good works of theater in the outdoors – spaces that create community relationships between the environment and humans.

“We believe that the best way to remind ourselves that we are human is to tell a story around a campfire,” Johnson told East Portland News. “So, our nighttime shows are lit with lanterns and fire – but clearly, not important in our matinee show today,” she added.

Watch these video excerpts, as these thespians perform William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors:

Their brilliantly sun-lit set included a propane-fueled camp fire. “It’s because of our tradition of inviting our audiences to enjoy S’mores with us at intermission,” Johnson said with a knowing smile.

The Comedy of Errors begins.

About the story
As the story unfolded, the audience discovered that The Comedy of Errors is about two sets of twins to get separated.

Then, 33 years later, they find themselves in the same city, and everybody in the town confuses one for another – until the end – they find each other and their long-lost parents.

Leach Botanical Garden Volunteer Manager Annie Winn and Program Director Jami LeBaron are ready to serve guests during intermission.

“As you know, we have a number of ticketed events during the summer – this is a great free event that we can offer to people in the community, and our Leach Garden Friends members,” commented Leach Botanical Garden Program Director Jami LeBaron as she tended the concession stand during intermission.

“Hosting Oregon Adventure Theatre here provides a fun experience; and, at the same time, makes both fine arts, and spending time of the garden, accessible to the neighborhood and the community,” LeBaron added.

> Learn more about Oregon Adventure Theatre by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

> And, see what’s happening at Leach Botanical Garden by opening their webpage: CLICK HERE.

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