We are Clever Enough, a start up theater company in Portland, Oregon. We have chosen Rhinoceros as our debut show. Given the times we're living in, we couldn't have thought of a more appropriate play to put on. This play was written by Eugene Ionesco and it belongs in the genre of theater known as The Theatre of the Absurd. It's about mob mentality, blind conformity, and the chaos that it brings. But bear in mind, it's also an outrageously funny comedy and the protagonist, with all his faults, brings elements of hope. In short, this play is guaranteed to resonate with audiences. Many of the lines and situations in this play sound very familiar to what we hear in present day. There's a character that says journalists are liars and he later demonizes colleges. Also, characters in this play see people close to them abandon all their beliefs.

Funds raised in this campaign will go to the following items in our budget: performance venue, sign language interpreters, costumes, props, a stipend for actors and crew, printing costs (programs, posters, flyers, etc.), copies of the play and miscellaneous expenses. We're lucky enough to have a rehearsal space that we can use for free, and we've saved money in a variety of other ways.

One of the biggest reasons why theater is so important is because it inspires critical thinking, and this play is no exception. Ionesco is kind to all the characters in this play and he shows all the grey areas of their lives. This is very important. For example, Berenger is the perfect example of an unexpected hero and he finds meaning in his life from being this hero. In studying this play, I'm reminded of how important it is for society to look deeper at life's issues. The play also teaches us to have a thorough understanding of why people succumb to transformation (conformity) and this gives us a better understanding about what we can do about it in our daily lives. We hope you can help us make this show happen.

Clever Enough is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of Clever Enough must be made payable to “Fractured Atlas” only and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.