SOLD OUT

The remaining performances of Orpheus Descending are SOLD OUT. We hope you will consider our upcoming productions of King Lear and She Se Puede.

AUGUST 7 – 23, 2026

ORPHEUS DESCENDING

by Tennessee Williams
directed by Will Detlefsen

A charismatic young drifter arrives in a small community shaped by prejudice and moral control. His presence awakens desires for love, justice, and self-determination — and sparks devastating consequences.

Born of the Southern Gothic but urgently national, Tennessee Williams re-imagines the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice as a fever dream of America — one where the promise of freedom is received not as a refuge, but as a threat.

Will Detlefsen (Confirmation, Machinalia) directs.

Content Notes: This production contains herbal cigarettes, sudden loud sounds, violence, racial slurs and other discriminatory language.

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PERFORMANCES

AUGUST 7 – 23

Performances
Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun through August 23

Run Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)

PRIORITY TICKET
(Reserved seating)
$70

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET
(Seating assigned upon arrival)
$40

PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN TICKET
(Or any amount at the door — contact box office for availability)
$10 / $20

*Ticketing fee displayed at the ticket website
**Online ticket sales close 1 hour before each performance. Tickets may be purchased at the door — subject to availability.

Questions? Contact the Box Office at 510.646.1126 or boxoffice@oaklandtheaterproject.org

REVIEWS

“Electrifying… Riveting… A sublime emotional journey… The actors bring the kind of depth to their roles… that surely Williams must have envisioned”
– Jean Schiffman, Bay City News

“Powerhouse Lisa Ramirez... mesmerizes us... The last half hour of this show offers a big reward. Williams provides stunning moments and a climax that feels surprising and inevitable.”
– Jenyth Jo, Theatrius

"Full of memorable characters… [Hunter] Bryant [as Val] is at once charismatic and laconic, earnest and halting, with limited affect (think Marlon Brando), his character saying little more than needs to be said... like a snake shedding its skin, he’s leaving the old wild life behind"
– Victor Cordell, Cordell Reports

“Captivating… blends the mystical and real”
– Kelly Rogers Flynt, BroadwayWorld.com

“A treat… This production, directed by Will Detlefsen, shows the play at its best through some of the actors, particularly Natalie Pasquinelli as Carol, and Lisa Ramirez in the role of Lady.”
– Richard Wolinsky, KPFA

“The essence of Orpheus Descending lies in the lonely characters and their burning need to escape. We also appreciate the fine acting that carries the show, especially Lisa Ramirez’s powerful performance as Lady Torrance.”
- Emily Mendel, Culture Vulture

"Through the extremely talented cast and direction of Orpheus Descending, Oakland Theater Project reminds all of us of the emotional power of theatre. See it."
— Patricia L. Morin, Front Row Review