In May, Miracle Theatre Group presents playwright Luis Alfaro’s Oedipus el Rey. The classic Greek play is re-set in modern L.A., where Oedipus’ rise to power happens within a gang “kingdom”, illuminating the prevalence of youth who enter gang life due to the perception that it is their unavoidable destiny. Focusing on the ruthlessness within a Chicano gang, Alfaro presents a realistic display of tragic self-fulfilling prophecy. This modern take on a classic will engage a fresh conversation about how we understand such youth and their families. Gang crimes have grown steadily in the Northwest and new strategies for intervention and prevention are currently tested in justice, education and social service agencies.

In conjunction with Oedipus el Rey, Miracle Theatre Group is pleased to present “Gangs and the Myth of Fate,” a free Oregon Humanities conversation series on influence, power and fate moderated by Olga Sanchez, Artistic Director, Miracle MainStage. Following each Sunday matinee performance, Miracle will host community leaders, social service professionals and scholars to provide an initial exploration of the topics; the discussions will then open up to audience questions and commentary. The three conversations, which will be held at Milagro (525 SE Stark St.), are free and open to the public; guests need not have attended the preceding matinee to participate in the Oregon Humanities conversations.

• Sunday, May 6, 4:15 p.m.: Exploring Myth of Fate 
In the culture and drama of ancient Greece, playwright Luis Alfaro found resonance for the modern cycle of gang involvement. He chose to work with Sophocles’ classic, Oedipus the King, as the foundation for his Oedipus el Rey (“Rey” in Spanish means “king”). What beliefs about fate did the Ancient Greeks hold as truth? What parallels did playwright Luis Alfaro draw between the Oedipus story and modern gang life? What can we learn from the history of the ancient Greeks?

Panelists:
Luis Alfaro, playwright  [invited]
Elizabeth Huffman, director
Dr. Richard Wattenberg, Professor of Theatre, Portland State University
Olga Sanchez, Artistic Director, Miracle MainStage (moderator)

• Sunday, May 13, 4:15 p.m.: The Lure of Gangs
In Oedipus el Rey, young men seek power within the only society in which they thrive. With power earned by violence and ruthlessness comes the respect and financial gain they cannot achieve elsewhere. Payment for this behavior includes imprisonment and alienation from mainstream society, but the attraction remains strong. What “romantic” notions draw young people to gang life? What strategies keep youth from getting involved? Can these be further implemented by a larger community?

Panelists:
Elena García Velasco, Portland’s Teacher of the Year, Spanish English International School/Roosevelt High School
Angel Ocasio, Officer, Portland Police Bureau
Dr. Carlos J. Crespo, Community Health & Public Affairs, Portland State University [invited]
Olga Sanchez, Artistic Director, Miracle MainStage (moderator)

• Sunday, May 20, 4:15 p.m.: A Gangster’s Destiny
Laius, the king, passes down the legacy of gang culture to his son in Oedipus el Rey, further nurtured by the friends and family. There seems to be no support or guidance for seeking a lifestyle other than this one. Young people who have entered gangs often feel they must continue along this path until their death. How does gang life affect a young person’s perceptions of themselves and society? How do young people choose to leave gangs? What are the most recent schools of thought around intervention, which strives to provide other models of social engagement for former gang members?

Panelists:
Dr. Harold Briggs, Graduate School of Social Work, Portland State University [invited]
Ron Macias, Youth Gangs Outreach Specialist
Tori Lopez, Juvenile Court Counselor at Multnomah County Department of Community Justice
Olga Sanchez, Artistic Director, Miracle MainStage (moderator)

This program is free and open to the public; no advance reservations are required. Tickets for the preceding matinee of Oedipus el Rey should be purchased in advance from 503-236-7253 or www.milagro.org. The Oregon Humanities conversations are in English, but Spanish interpretation will be available.

This program was made possible in part by a grant from Oregon Humanities (OH), a statewide nonprofit organization and an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, which funds OH’s grant program. Miracle Theatre Group’s production of Oedipus el Rey is sponsored by Josie Mendoza and Hugh Mackworth.