The Fig Tree Committee | Using performance to connect people across prison walls

Using performance to connect people across prison walls.

The Fig Tree Committee tours An Iliad, by Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare, to correctional facilities, while also performing for the communities that surround them. So far, over 3,000 people have seen our production of An Iliad, most of whom were incarcerated at the time.

Our work knits together audiences on both sides of the prison walls by using one of the world's oldest stories to examine the cycles of violence, trauma, displacement, and hope for healing that unite us all.

AN ILIAD ON TOUR

The Fig Tree Committee is touring to correctional facilities and community spaces in the fall of 2024.
Prison performances are for inside audiences only. Public performances are open to everyone. Come join us!

Photo by Gary Norman

Public Performances

September 26 - PORTLAND, OREGON
October 5 - MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN (by invitation)
October 11 - BURLINGTON, VERMONT
October 19 - CUMBERLAND FORESIDE, MAINE
October 20 - ROCKLAND, MAINE

EVENT INFORMATION

What People Say

—Audience members in custody

“This story will stick with me forever.”

“With you, we were free for two hours.”

“Don’t forget us. We won’t forget you.”

“That was one of the most beautiful experiences this place has seen in I don’t know how long.”

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Actor Paul Susi onstage depicting Achilles raising his Pelian ash spear in battle.

Cellist Anna Fritz and actor Paul Susi perform An Iliad in a colorful classroom at West Syvan Middle

A post-show conversation with the performers of An Iliad at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility.

Paul Susi and Anna Fritz stand in front of the welcome sign at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility.

Director Patrick Walsh and actor Paul Susi answer audience questions at Oregon State Penitentiary.

Anna Fritz and Paul Susi stand in front of Oregon State Penitentiary at dusk. To their right is a si

An Iliad being performed in the large gymnasium at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution.

An Iliad being performed in front of a large audience at BodyVox.

Meet the Fig Tree Committee

Press

From "Theatre group tours Oregon prisons with 'An Iliad'", published in The Oregonian, October 25, 2018.

Press Requests

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Donate

Our ability to work inside and outside of prisons is dependent on community support.

We are currently in the process of re-branding as the Fig Tree Committee.

During this transition, your donation will appear on your statement under our old company name: Red Horse Theatre.

Fill out the form below to make a donation by credit card or PayPal, or mail a check made out to Red Horse Theatre with “AN ILIAD” in the memo to:

P.O. Box 3072, Portland, OR 97208

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!