Sapience

“To say that Artists Repertory Theatre is presenting Sapience in its new lobby doesn’t begin to describe the wondrous experience of stepping into the world of color, light and sound that director Melory Mirashrafi and her luminous cast and crew have created for this world premiere of Diana Burbano’s play.”

“Judging by the audience’s standing ovation opening night, Wu and the “Sapience” team have plenty of reason to triumphantly thump their chests.”

“Wu is the undeniable star of Sapience’s first half, delighting audiences with monkey-like mannerisms and a running monologue of comedically straight-forward lines, like “I would like to be held. I am also scared of being held.””

“Neurodivergent characters are becoming more visible in pop culture. Whether they are officially on the spectrum or just coded that way, like Young Sheldon or Geek Girl– to name or not to name, that is the question. Or at least it’s one of the questions raised in a smart new play, premiering at Artists Repertory Theatre in Portland.”

“I saw the show at a preview performance, and even before opening, the cast was great, particularly Wu, who makes an adorably charming orangutan; Miles, whose performance reveals the inner landscape of a brilliant mind navigating the challenges of human intimacy; and Williams, whose AJ shows that connection is a multilayered experience that extends beyond verbal articulation. The show’s emotional highlight is the relationship between Wookie and AJ – two characters who communicate outside conventional language, yet forge a deep connection.”

An interview with Set Designer Alex Meyer and Director Melory Mirashrafi by KGW8.