Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. (OTI) will present the stage production, “My Walk Has Never Been Average,” Friday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m. at the Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St., Portland.
The play, written by Roberta Hunte and Bonnie Ratner, is based on Hunte’s in-depth interviews with 15 African-American tradeswomen from around the United States as part of her Ph.D. dissertation. It weaves together the stories of their entry into non-traditional trades careers, and touches on the recurring themes of exclusion from opportunities, sexual harassment, and lack of institutional support for career development.
Hunte was on staff with OTI as a career counselor for three years while she was working on her doctorate.
OTI is presenting the play as part of its annual Tradeswomen Leadership Institute, an educational event that facilitates leadership development, advocacy skills, and unity among women working in the building, construction, mechanical and utility trades.
In Oregon, women comprise approximately 7 percent of the construction workforce. African-American women comprise only 0.4 percent of construction workers in the state.
My Walk Has Never Been Average is directed by Ratner and stars Marilyn Keller, Shelley B Shelley, Angela Bonilla, Sidony O’Neal, Ashley Williams, Skeeter Greene, Aiyanna Cunningham, and Josie Seid.
A limited quantity of tickets are available to the general public from The Alberta Rose Theatre box office for $10 or online at albertarosetheatre.com.
