I just got a call from Scott Osborne, the artistic director of Our Endeavors Theater Collective, saying that the company was breaking up. That’s a shock, since I got no hint of looming difficulties when I interviewed him for the December issue of D. It’s sad news for one of boldest companies in town. Part of the press release, which arrived just after the call, follows:
Our Endeavors’ whimsical and diverse repertoire has ranged from the experimental, zany and absurd (my head was a sledgehammer, Gorey Stories, The Artificial Jungle, What Happened A Five Act Play, Fortitude) to the epic, classical, and poetic (Caligula, Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Butterfly’s Evil Spell). Primarily recognized for its critically-acclaimed productions of original musicals (The Ultra-Happy, Super-Sad, Mega-Variety Revue, Extreme Acts, The Last One-Nighter on the Death Trail), world premiere adaptations (I Patty Diphusa, International Sex Symbol), and rarely produced avant-garde masterpieces (Dainty Shapes & Hairy Apes or The Green Pill), OETC has been known for creating spectacular events that consistently thrilled, amazed, and inspired.
Upon inception, the name “Our Endeavors” was chosen to represent a collaborative approach to making art. The OETC Ensemble was comprised of fourteen distinguished and multi-talented actors, directors, playwrights, technicians and designers. The organization has been nurtured by the collective efforts of its resident artists, Board of Directors, generous sponsors, and loyal patrons. “Having accomplished our mission, it is with heartfelt praise that we seek to acknowledge the noble and altruistic endeavors of the many people who have generously given to such an invaluable undertaking,” notes Executive Producer Patti Kirkpatrick.
The time ahead symbolizes new hope for the devoted individuals that have been involved with this unique adventure and signals exciting change for the Arts in Dallas. With this loss comes magnificent promise embodied in the transition of talent at home and abroad. “It is with the precious realization that great art results from extraordinary sacrifice that we move forward having experienced the excitement and satisfaction that comes from providing our community with a glimpse into our own unique version of entertainment paradise,” says Artistic Director Scott Osborne. “What remains is the idea that if it could have been done, we probably never would have done it. There is inspiration to be found, however, in the acknowledgement that we are all only images within a much larger spectacle. All we do now is simply hold tight and wait for our next cue.”
Our Endeavors concludes its eight-year run in Dallas with afternoon performances of (The) Book of Matches at the DMA on December 10th, 17th, and 18th at 3pm. Please call 214-327-4001 or visit www.ourendeavors.com for more information.
