By Daphne Rozen Wray
Portland Story Theater’s Lawrence Howard is back again with his one-man show entitled, “Shackleton’s Antarctic Nightmare” which will be told January 20,21,27 and 28th at Hipbone Studio.
“I’m really trying to create an entire universe through words, voice and gesture,” said Howard.
This 3-hour engaging narrative tells the epic story of Ernest Shackleton who in 1914 set out with his 27-man crew to be the first to cross the Antarctic. The men would meet hardship but all would make it through the experience. Howard said it is an uplifting story about a group of men who persevered, endured and survived against all odds.
“It’s a story about men who were tough in a way that nobody is tough any more,” he said. “It’s how they turned a glorious failure into a glorious success.”
This is Howard’s final Shackleton show in Portland as he plans to extend it to cities like New York, Washington, D.C. and beyond.
He said he first performed Shackleton’s tale as a tribute to his father, Martin, who taught him about this important historical event.
“For me, it’s a way of keeping my dad’s light burning in the world,” he said.
For father and son, Shackleton became more than just a story, but a lifelong conversation they shared together.
Now, Howard, tells the tale with to a broader audience whom he hopes to inspire with its profound meaning.
“It helps to put our own lives and own problems into perspective,” he said. “It highlights the idea that the human spirit can accomplish anything.”
To purchase tickets or for more information, go to www.portlandstorytheater.com. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Hipbone Studio is located at 1847 East Burnside. Parking is free.
Portland Story Theater, a non-profit, is the creation of Howard along with his wife, Executive Director Lynne Duddy, who is also a storyteller.
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