Oregon Shakespeare Festival Presents Preface For Rent: A Play Introduction

The Preface for OSF's production of Rent will provide a fascinating glimpse into the groundbreaking musical that changed the face of Broadway. This 30-minute play prep will dive into the history and background of Rent, exploring its origins as a rock opera adaptation of Puccini's La Boheme and the real-life inspirations behind the characters and their struggles. Attendees will learn about the social impact of the show, which tackled issues of poverty, AIDS, and the bohemian lifestyle in the East Village of the 1980s and 90s. The preface will also introduce the main characters, including the struggling artist Mark, the HIV-positive musician Roger, and the vibrant performance artist Maureen. The session will also touch on the production choices for this OSF production and what to expect from the show. Whether you're a longtime fan of Rent or new to the musical, the Preface is a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the cultural significance and enduring relevance of this groundbreaking work.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a regional repertory theatre in Ashland, Oregon, United States, founded in 1935 by Angus L. Bowmer. The Festival now offers matinee and evening performances of a wide range of classic and contemporary plays not limited to Shakespeare.