Author: Sara Jean Accuardi

The Willamette Week named THE STORYTELLER as one of six “Performances We Loved in 2025”

Critic Laura Wheatman Hill writes, “The Storyteller by Sara Jean Accuardi won the Oregon Book Award for Drama in 2023. The modern-day retelling of The Tempest takes the Bard’s themes of parenthood, control and letting go and slowly, beautifully breaks your heart as the play unwinds. The magic-filled production, mounted in the lobby of the still-unfinished Artists Repertory Theatre building, was notable for its technical elements, such as the detailed set and complex lighting and sound designs, all of which came together to serve the story. Directed by Luan Schooler, The Storyteller invoked the hopefulness of youth paired with the stark realities of adulthood.”

“This play skates right on the edge of fantasy and reality… full of twists and turns, surprises and delights. But also grief, isolation, longing. It’s a visceral experience of the truest love and the most painful loss that reflects how we shape stories, how they shape us, and what happens when they change … This world premiere is theater at its finest– beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and executed with artistry.” – Krista Garver, Broadway World

“The world premiere of this warm-hearted play, which won the 2023 Oregon Book Award for drama …explores constellations of intriguing themes. In just 90 minutes, it touches on grief, parenthood, and isolation, to name a few of its topics. Most compelling of all, though, is its exploration of the power of storytelling, encompassing how we change our stories to comfort or entertain, and who has the right to tell them.” – Linda Ferguson, Oregon ArtsWatch

The Storyteller was brimming with charm, intrigue, magic and soul…Sara Jean Accuardi has given us a gem to chew on. -Audience Reaction

“A fantastic example of a production that deftly explore themes of inequality, coming of age, and narrative blindspots within the stories we tell each other.” – Audience Reaction

“Funny and heart-wrenching.” – Audience Reaction

“Six very lovable characters! I didn’t want it to be over.” – Audience Reaction 

Rehearsals have begun for the World Premiere production of THE STORYTELLER at Artists Repertory Theatre in Portland, OR. It will run April 22 – May 18. Tickets HERE!

THE STORYTELLER will have its world premiere production as part of Artists Repertory Theatre’s 2024-2025 Season.