Small Mouth Sounds

Small Mouth Sounds

October 7 - November 5, 2018
Alder Stage

By Bess Wohl
Directed by Shawn Lee

Tired of not living their ‘best life,’ six broken individuals gather at a wellness center in the middle of the woods for a weeklong silent retreat to breathe and reset. As the voice from an omniscient guru drones on in broken self-help speech, the attendees struggle to find their inner calm while awkwardly combating their mental and physical desires. Over the course of five days, the group inexpertly attempts to navigate through hurt feelings, crippling faux pas, and exposed vulnerabilities to reach enlightenment. Absurdly funny and profoundly poignant, Small Mouth Sounds encourages us all to put down the phone and just be in the moment.

Awards for Bess Wohl
Drama Desk Award

“…exploits the subversive power of stillness in our age of manic multitasking.”

-Karen D’Souza, Mercury News

“…joyful and hilarious about the absolutely worst things we all face.”

-Jesse Green, Vulture

Please note: This show contains nudity.
Run Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes, with no intermission

Alder Stage

1515 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205

Press

“The performances here are truly otherworldly — and the casting is genius”

Lee Williams, The Oregonian/OregonLive

“It’s not only ambitious, but also thought-provoking, heart-warming, and funny.”

Krista Garver, Broadway World

“…a lot happens in these silent moments. It’s a nice reminder of how meaningful touch is between humans and how much vulnerability it takes.” 

TJ Acena, Oregon ArtsWatch

Cast

Creative

Bess Wohl
Playwright
Shawn Lee
Director

Production Team

Megan Wilkerson
Scenic Designer
Gregory Pulver
Costume Designer
Jennifer Lin
Lighting Designer
Rodolfo Ortega
Composer & Sound Designer
Luan Schooler
Dramaturg
Amanda K Cole
Intimacy Consultant
Miranda Russ
Stage Manager
Robert Amico
Props Master
Megan Moll
Production Assistant
Alan Cline
Board Op

Photos