Director: Dr. Lezlie C. Cross
Assistant Director: Ajay Davis
Stage Manager: Natalie Davis
Costume Design: Gregory Pulver
Scenic Design: Larry Larsen
Lighting Design: Madeline Southard
Sound Design: Hannah Kelly
Composer: Cam Creitz
Props Design: Madison Bible
Sound Engineer: Hal Logan
Fight Director: Kristen Mun
Assistant Fight Director: Matt Sepeda
Fight Captain: Bennett Bucholtz
Doña Ana: Olivia Sloss
Celia: Siena Henson
Doña Leonor: Violet Wade
Don Carlos: Ricardo Guevara
Castaño: Anne Marie Blank
Don Pedro: Bennett Buchholz
Don Rodrigo: Josh Mager
Hernando: Sydney Gannon
Don Juan: Aidan Brown
Don Garfunkel, the musician: Sydney Gannon
Justice: Aidan Brown
Nick Hailer: Don Pedro, Don Carlos, Castaño
Ysabelle Pobre: Doña Ana, Don Rodrigo, Hernando
Aria Hroma: Doña Leonor, Celia, Don Juan
Assistant Stage Managers: Nick Hailer, Alexa Bayliff
Master Electrician: Bennett Buchholz
Electricians: Alexa Bayliff, Madison Bible, Lezlie Cross, Nick Hailer, Hannah Harrison, Olivia Sloss, Sebastian Olmsted
Light Board Operator: Mia Lindsay
Sound Board Operator: Maria Wantanabe
Followspot Operators: Madison Bible, Savanah Baird
Wardrobe Head: Taylor Andreas
Hair and Makeup Consultant: Sara Beukers
Dressers: Mollie Goldberg, Jessica Sommerville
Producer: Andy Christensen
Scene Shop Supervisor: Eric Lyness
Interim Scene Shop Supervisor: Collin Murray
Costume Shop Supervisor: Sue Bonde
Props Supervisors: Madison Bible, Aria Hroma
Scene Shop Technicians and Electricians: Cameron Creitz, Sean Hovland, Julia Moran, Brendan Rath, Talin Rivers, Audrey Stineman, Maddie Southard, Anders Vogel
Costume Construction: Alexa Bayliff, Alaina Cruson, Katja La Flamme, Lilly Grey Rudge, Lexi Rudolph, Isaiah Saluta
Costume Construction Volunteer: Suzanne Beam
When Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz wrote House of Desires (Los empeños de una casa) in 1683 life was much different for women than it is today. Access to education was rare and the patriarchal control of the Catholic church extended into the familial structure. Women were uneducated, they had little control over their lives, and their primary uses were child-rearing and tending to the household. Sor Juana was an exceptional woman for her time. Self-educated, she was fluent in multiple languages including Latin and Nahuatl. In 1667, she became a Nun so as to not have to get married, give up her autonomy, and cease her educational pursuits. She turned her nun’s quarters into an intellectual salon, wrote poetry and plays, and used her learning to defend a woman’s right to education.
The women in House of Desires reflect their author. They are smart, opinionated, strong-willed, and determined to have the destiny they choose for themselves — not one chosen by their fathers, brothers, or masters. Today, this play reads to us as a light-hearted farce. But in 1683 it was searing and dangerous social commentary. In the main play (which you will see tonight) and the accompanying allegorical prologue (loa), songs (saintes), and epilogue masquerade (sararo) Sor Juana satirized the colonial Mexican powers and colonialism itself, shone light on misogynistic practices, and spoofed popular plays by Spaniards including Calderón and Lope de Vega. Sor Juana’s radical protofeminism is at the heart of our production.
But… this is also the first fully staged play at UP in nearly 20 months. And, perhaps, we all just need a bit of fun. Maybe even a lot of fun. And Sor Juana gives us that too. I mean, there’s a sword fight. In. The. Dark. And to enhance the fun, our production aesthetic is inspired by the telenovela Amor Real and the melodramatic romantic excesses of that popular style. This stellar cast and crew has worked so hard to bring you this production, so we invite you (esteemed guests) to enjoy the wild ride of Sor Juana’s House of Desires!
House of Desires is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
The play opens at midnight in the house of Don Pedro and his sister Ana. Pedro is in love with beautiful Doña Leonor, the daughter of Don Rodrigo. But she doesn’t love Pedro. She loves dashing Don Carlos de Olmedo. Earlier tonight, Leonor and Carlos ran away from her father’s house, so they could be married. Pedro found out about this from Hernando, a servant of the house, and has created an elaborate scheme to break up the lovers and bring Leonor to his house. Ana and her maid Celia are waiting up to receive her. While waiting, Ana tells Celia about her love for Don Juan, which has paled in comparison with her infatuation for… Don Carlos. Not knowing her lady has fallen in love with another man, Celia has brought Don Juan into the house. When Leonor arrives, Ana learns they are in love with the same man. When Carlos and his servant Castaño arrive moments later, the stage is set for romantic confusion. Pedro loves Leonor who loves Carlos who is loved by Ana who is loved by Juan. Accidently, Juan and Leonor are shut into the same chamber. Juan pursues her thinking she is Ana. When Leonor cries out, Carlos hears her voice and comes running. In the dark, the lovers don’t know who is who. The confusion is amplified when everyone must hide due to Don Pedro’s arrival.
The next morning. Carlos is perplexed by Leonor’s presence in the house and is determined to find out why she is there. Ana sets up a situation where Carlos can see Pedro and Leonor together, in the hopes he will give up his love for Leonor and love her instead. Pedro does his best to woo Leonor, but her heart belongs to Carlos. Castaño tries his hand at wooing Celia, but she is skeptical of his advances. Leonor’s father Don Rodrigo arrives at the house. Convinced that Pedro was the one who stole his daughter, he insists on their instant marriage. Carlos overhears this exchange and is despondent, but Castaño insists that they find her and see what she thinks.
The next evening. Leonor tries to escape from the house, but Celia tricks her and locks her into Ana’s chambers. Don Juan returns to the house, resolved to kill Carlos, who he thinks is Ana’s lover. Carlos decides he has to tell Don Rodrigo that he, not Pedro, was the one who took Leonor. He sends Castaño to deliver this message. In fear for his life, Castaño dresses up like Leonor, to be able to deliver the message safely. Pedro is fooled into thinking Castaño is Leonor and locks the disguised servant in his quarters. Don Juan and Carlos fight and in the confusion, Carlos escapes the house with Leonor, who he thinks is Ana and Ana takes Don Juan into her chambers thinking he is Carlos. Meeting Don Rodrigo in the street, Carlos places “Ana” (Leonor) in Don Rodrigo’s protection. Rodrigo sees “Ana” as a bargaining chip with Don Pedro and takes “Ana” (Leonor) back to Pedro’s house. Now that all the characters are back in the house, the secrets are revealed to the satisfaction of (nearly) everyone.
Alexa Bayliff (Assistant Stage Manager) is a junior Theatre major from Los Angeles, CA. Alexa is very excited to be part of this show! She is usually acting and has been in shows like 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, The Public, and You Cannot Undo This Action. This is her first time as an ASM and feels so honored to be working with Natalie and Dr Cross. She hopes you enjoy the show!!
Madison Bible (Props Designer/Spotlight) is a senior Organizational Communication major and theatre minor who hails from the biggest little city in the world - Reno, NV. Although she has acted in several shows at the University of Portland, this is her first time working behind the scenes. You might remember her from her previous roles as Jenny in The Christians, Marcy in Dog Sees God, Wren in Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche, Juliet/The Magician/The Silly Shepard in The Public and Mrs. White in Clue. When not busy making a fool of herself both on and off the stage, she enjoys creating art, reading, and playing board games with her friends. Madison loved getting the opportunity to experience the world of technical theatre and hopes you enjoy the production as much as she does.
Bennett Buchholz (Don Pedro) is a junior Theatre and English major from Seattle, WA. Bennett is very excited for you to see this production. You might have seen him in other UP productions, he was most recently Austin in You Cannot Undo This Action. In his free time Bennett enjoys cooking, playing DND, and writing. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Natalie Davis (Stage Manager) is a junior Psychology major with a theatre minor from Seattle, WA. Natalie began stage managing just last year during the time University of Portland was on Zoom. Her debut as the head stage manager was Clue during the Spring 2021 semester, for which she was awarded a Meritorious Achievement Award from the Kennedy Centre American College Theater Festival. Natalie is so honored to have been able to serve House of Desires alongside Dr. Cross. She would like to thank Dr. Cross and Andy Christensen for the guidance and support throughout this process. Natalie would also like to thank the performers for all of their hard work, love, and understanding they have given her during this first semester back on campus. Natalie is also the President of the Theater Club on campus, if you're interested in stage managing or just being involved in theater please reach out at @uptheater on Instagram! Enjoy the show!
Sydney Gannon (Hernando) is a Communication major with Theatre and Spanish minors from Santa, Cruz, CA. This is her second production at UP. They were previously seen in The Public as the Second Man. Her other recent roles include Margaret in 9 to 5, the Queen in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, Keri in The Bold, the Young, and the Murdered, and Lucinda in Into the Woods. They would like to thank the wonderful cast, crew, and creative team, as well as her family and friends for their continued support. Sydney is very excited to be back on a physical stage (and not in a Zoom box) and hopes you enjoy the show.
Ricardo Guevara (Don Carlos de Olmedo) is a freshman Theatre and Marketing major from Portland, OR. An aspiring actor and filmmaker, Ricardo Guevara aims to break boundaries in the representation of Latinos in different artistic mediums. His love for acting began way back in middle school, with his roles as the Wolf in Shrek the Musical and Gaston in The Beauty & the Beast. Various performances in Seattle and Mexico City led him to Portland, where recent roles include Ernie in It's a Wonderful Life, Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing, and Mr. Wormwood in Matilda. Outside of theatre, Ricardo enjoys world cinema, vinyl records, jean jackets, Crossfit, and milk teas. He would like to thank his parents, his younger brother, his grandparents, his aunt, his friends, his girlfriend, the Redmond Academy of Theatre Arts, the Centro de Arte Teatral CDMX, Mr. Farmer, Mr. Rust, Dr. Lezlie Cross, and the University of Portland for their help in pushing Ricardo forward in his life goals.
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (Playwright) is an artist and scholar from San Miguel Nepantla, Mexico (a town they have now renamed in her honor). By the age of three, she learned to speak Latin. In her teenage years, she taught younger children. Sor Juana joined the Monastery of St. Joseph at the age of nineteen to continue on with her education. She enjoys writing plays (obviously) but also enjoys penning poetry and prose. In her spare time, Sor Juana has also become fluent in Nahuatl. She would like to thank her grandfather for supplying her with all the books she could read and those who continue to honor her legacy.
Nick Hailer (Assistant Stage Manager, Understudy) is a sophomore Computer Science major from Kailua, HI. While only being involved in acting, Nick is excited to make their debut assistant stage managing! He would like to thank everyone involved for the opportunity!
Siena Henson (Celia) is a senior Sociology and Psychology major from Seattle, WA. Siena is new to acting at the University of Portland, but why not go all out senior year! Outside of the play, Siena works on research in the Sociology and Psychology departments at UP and is interested in racial and environmental justice. Hobbies include attempts to preserve the lives of unsuspecting houseplants, a semi-reluctant jog around the neighborhood, expensive trips to the St. John’s Farmer’s Market, and carrying the hope that she and her friends will finish Game of Thrones. She would like to dedicate this performance to the Henson Clan, who have supported and loved her in every endeavor, and to her friends and partner who stayed up late to catch up after rehearsals. Siena hopes everyone enjoys this opportunity to see live theatre once again and urges all in attendance to avoid complicated love triangles at all costs.
Aria Hroma (Understudy) is a freshman Secondary Education and English with a Theatre minor from Boise, Idaho. Aria is so excited to be a part of UP’s theatre program and to get involved as much as she can. She recently played Frances in Five Women Wearing the Same Dress and Lavender in Matilda as well as being cast as Juliet before the show was cancelled due to COVID.
Hannah Kelly (Sound Designer) is junior theatre major and innovation minor from Tacoma, WA. This is Hannah's first sound design for a show. She is extremely excited to expand her theater toolbox! Her recent projects include lighting design for You Cannot Undo This Action and sound board operator for Clue. She is thrilled to be back in person and trying new things!
Joshua Mager (Don Rodrigo) is a freshman Mechanical Engineering major from Portland, OR. A newcomer to the University of Portland theatre scene, but a long time performer. Their passion for stage, whether it be acting or comedy, is present and broadcast both in and out of the theatre.
Ysabelle Pobre (Understudy for Doña Ana, Don Rodrigo, and Hernando) is a sophomore Nursing major from Seattle, WA. She is so excited to be part of this amazing production, with such a great cast and crew! Overall, she's so grateful for the many opportunities that UP theater has to offer, and is excited for you to see the show!
Olivia Sloss (Doña Ana) is a junior Theatre and Psychology major from Carmichael, CA. Olivia is thrilled to be back in-person sharing a theatre space with all of you! She has previously appeared on the UP stage (and screen) in The Penelopiad, The Dragon, Interlude, The Public, and Clue. She has also directed two shows for The Theatre Club on Campus, titled: The Guest: A New Zoom Play, and Climate Change Theatre Action. Olivia would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this show possible, Dr. Cross and Natalie for their leadership through the world of theatre under COVID regulations, Maddie Southard for her help creating an awesome pump-up playlist, and her friends and family for always supporting her! She hopes you enjoy the show!
Violet Wade (Doña Leonor) is a sophomore Biology major from San Francisco, CA. Her recent role includes Carol in Laughter on the 23rd Floor by Niel Simon. Her other acting work includes two semesters worth of Drama 1A and 1B in high school, Saint Ignatius College Preparatory.
Susan Bonde, Costume Shop Manager
Sue Bonde is the costume shop manager for the University of Portland. She worked in Chicago as a freelance costume designer and technician for the Goodman Theater and Light Opera Works prior to moving to Portland. She has designed for A.R.T., New Rose Theatre, and Portland Repertory Theatre, and the Wee Sing children’s videos before joining Michael Curry Design and working on The Lion King on Broadway. Bonde has designed costumes for Portland Opera’s The Return of Ulysses, Albert Herring, La Calisto, Il Ballo delle Ingrate/Il Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda/Trouble in Tahiti , Galileo, Postcards from Morocco, L’heure Espanogle / L’enfant et les Sortileges and most recently, La Cenerentola. She is the recipient of two Willamette Week Excellence in Theater Awards and two Portland Drammy Awards. Past designs for UP include Tartuffe and Pippin. Mock’s Crest Opera costume design credits include Iolanthe, Ruddigore, The Pirates of Penzance, Light in the Piazza and Yeoman of the Guard.
Andy Christensen, Visiting Instructor, Directing and Acting
Andy Christensen is a fiercely curious artist-educator who specializes in emergent forms of immersive and site-informed theatre that explore the intersection of place and time. In his practice, he builds egalitarian ensembles that create interdisciplinary, research-driven, and process-shaped performances that put audiences at the center of artistic experiences and contextualize performance within community. After receiving his M.F.A. in theatre directing from the Lir Academy of Trinity College in Dublin and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Andy returned to the United States to invest in emerging artists in the Pacific Northwest. He is a founder of Cascadia Art Project and a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. He has mentored artists in many regional high schools, George Fox University, Pacific University, and most recently at Whitworth University where he was recognized for outstanding integration of vocation in the classroom.
Lezlie C. Cross, PhD, Assistant Professor, Theatre History and Dramaturgy
Dr. Cross’s directing credits at UP include House of Desires, Where is Home: a Digital Living Newspaper, and As You Like It. At UP, she teaches courses in theatre history, dramaturgy, and playwriting. She is also a professional dramaturg who has worked at regional theatres across America including the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Nevada Conservatory Theatre, Cincinnati Shakespeare, Classic Stage Company, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival where she was the literary assistant for five years. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Washington, her M.A. from the Shakespeare Institute, University of Birmingham, and her B.A. from Whitman College. See more at lezliecross.com
Larry Larsen, M.F.A., Professor, Academic Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Professor Larsen has been involved in theater since the fifth grade when he played Schroder in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and has had a life long association with the theater ever since that time. He is in his 28th year at the University, and besides teaching the scenic and lighting design coursework for the Theater Program, he is an Academic Associate Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences. His most recent design work at UP, which includes over a hundred productions, includes The Dragon, Dr. Faustus, Eurydice, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Mad Forest. Larry has worked as a professional designer in Portland for the last 32 years and his most recent work includes Nunsense and Company at Broadway Rose Theatre, Haddon Hall Revels for Portland Revels where he is the resident set designer, All My Sons and This Random World for Portland Actors Conservatory, and Mr. Kolpert for Third Rail Repertory Theater. Other theaters designed for include Artists Repertory Theatre, Oregon Children’s Theatre, Northwest Children’s Theater, Portland Repertory Theatre, Tygres Heart Shakespeare Co., Portland Civic Theatre and Summer Repertory Theatre in Santa Rosa. Prior to his employment at the University, Larry worked as the Design Associate for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, both in Ashland and Portland. He has his MFA in Theatre Design from the University of Washington.
Mindi is beginning her 22nd year teaching for the University of Portland. Her artistic work at the University includes acting and dialect coaching for productions. Mindi received her MFA from the Professional Actors Training Program at Rutgers University and then worked professionally as an actor in New York and Los Angeles, appearing off-Broadway, in soap operas, sitcoms, and film. Continuing her professional acting career, Mindi has appeared locally with Artists Repertory Theatre, Theater Vertigo, Willamette Shakespeare, Quintessence Theater, Stark Raving Theatre, in commercials, industrials, and voiceovers. Mindi was awarded the Kennedy Center Gold Medallion for her service as the Regional Chair of the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival. Mindi’s husband Hal is a professional musician and composer who also works locally and teaches at the University of Portland.
Eric Lyness, Scene Shop Manager
Eric Lyness (class of '12) has had the pleasure of working here at his alma mater since 2015. Favorite UP credits include crafting sound designs for Good Kids and A Midsummer Night's Dream, and scenic designs for 1959 Pink Thunderbird. He has worked as a director, designer, and technician at various theatres across Portland including Third Rail Repertory, Portland Opera, Northwest Theatre Workshop, and Artists Rep.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
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