In the world of theater, some shows have become classics, dominating the performing arts with many remakes of the play from enthusiastic fans. Oftentimes, these classics saturate the world of theater with good reason. The works of Shakespeare and other classics have unique storylines that truly engage viewers. 

But with only so many unique variations one could come up with, truly original plays and novel storylines give the industry a breath of fresh air. 

Third-year Masters of Fine Arts acting students in UW’s Professional Acting Training Program, Olga Kravtsova and Julia Rahmanzaei, are preparing to gift the industry with their revelating performances portraying their unique and personal stories at the Fertile Ground Festival in Portland and the Oregon Fringe Festival. 

As international students, Kravtsova (from Russia) and Rahmanzaei (from Iran) hope that their performances will entertain but also bring to light the challenges faced by foreigners in a world often blinded by its own privileges and narrow perspectives.

“We’re really grateful for this opportunity,” Kravtsova said. “It’s an opportunity to speak up on the stage.”

The Portland Area Theatre Alliance organizes the Fertile Ground Festival, and Oregon Center for the Arts at Southern Oregon University organizes the Oregon Fringe Festival. Both festivals aim to support playwrights and provide artists such as Kravtsova and Rahmanzaei a platform to share their stories.

Kravtsova’s project started with a class led by Jeffrey Fracé, the head of the acting program at UW. What was originally assigned as a reading, Kravtsova wanted a conversation. Thus began her adaptation of “The Old Man and the Sea.” The project quickly evolved, intertwining her father’s stories of immigration, and the challenges faced as he immigrated from Russia.

Rahmanzaei’s creative process aims to capture her hardships as a foreigner from Iran and restricted freedom while at home.

“One of the reasons that I decided to immigrate to this country is because I wasn’t able to work in my country as an Iranian actor,” said Rahmanzaei. “I am banned from acting in my country.”

Rahmanzaei’s production is all about her journey as an Iranian actor facing censorship and is a message to the American audience about the struggles faced in less developed countries.

Their performances, set for April 17 to 20, promise a deeply personal journey that spans from Kravtsova’s reflections on her father’s immigration from Russia to Julia’s struggles as an Iranian actor facing censorship in her homeland.

“Both of us, we face a lot of misunderstandings and stereotypes,” said Kravtsova. “I’ve been told that my language is aggressive or intimidating … It’s really hard to explain to people who have never even been outside of the country … So even though we are struggling here, it is clear [that] for us … it’s important to grow and help the audience grow.”

While it is currently uncertain whether the Fertile Grounds Festival or Oregon Fringe Festival will be available for live viewing online, Kravtsova encourages everyone to make the journey south for a firsthand experience of their original, heartwarming narratives as they use theater as a medium to share personal experiences, foster empathy, and break down cultural barriers.

Reach reporter Linda Lam at [email protected]. X: @_LindaLam_

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