Sagittarius Ponderosa

by MJ Kaufman

Archer (still Angela to his family) doesn’t want to move back to his childhood home in eastern Oregon when his father falls ill. But at night under the oldest Ponderosa Pine, he meets a stranger who knows the history of the forests and the sadness of losing endangered things. As Archer accepts big changes in his family he discovers the power of names and the histories they make and mask.

Archer (still Angela to his family) doesn’t want to move back to his childhood home in eastern Oregon when his father falls ill. But at night under the oldest Ponderosa Pine, he meets a stranger who knows the history of the forests and the sadness of losing endangered things. As Archer accepts big changes in his family he discovers the power of names and the histories they make and mask.

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Sagittarius Ponderosa

Recommended by

  • Elizabeth A. M. Keel: Sagittarius Ponderosa by MJ Kaufman
    “

    What an enchanting play this is. The ensemble is incredibly well balanced, and each of the characters has a journey of growth despite their individual reluctance for change. The shifting family dynamics are intelligently tempered with inspiration found in botany, exposure to nature, gardening, and Jewish ritual. I felt full when the play ended, like I had spent time beneath the trees.

    What an enchanting play this is. The ensemble is incredibly well balanced, and each of the characters has a journey of growth despite their individual reluctance for change. The shifting family dynamics are intelligently tempered with inspiration found in botany, exposure to nature, gardening, and Jewish ritual. I felt full when the play ended, like I had spent time beneath the trees.

    ”
  • Gina Femia: Sagittarius Ponderosa by MJ Kaufman
    “

    I've been thinking about this play a lot lately. A really gorgeous piece about family and gender. I truly hope this play finds more homes as it's one the world is in desperate need of hearing.

    I've been thinking about this play a lot lately. A really gorgeous piece about family and gender. I truly hope this play finds more homes as it's one the world is in desperate need of hearing.

    ”
  • Vivian Chace: Sagittarius Ponderosa by MJ Kaufman
    “

    As a non-binary dramaturg and theatermaker, this stands out as one of the absolute best portrayals of a non binary experience in media, let alone the stage. Not only does it graciously negotiate themes of self discovery and failure, it does so with a delicacy and gentleness often lacking in conversations of gender and ignorance

    As a non-binary dramaturg and theatermaker, this stands out as one of the absolute best portrayals of a non binary experience in media, let alone the stage. Not only does it graciously negotiate themes of self discovery and failure, it does so with a delicacy and gentleness often lacking in conversations of gender and ignorance

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, Global Age Project, Aurora Theater, 2014
  • Workshop, Carlotta Festival of New Plays, Yale School of Drama, 2013
  • Workshop, New Harmony Project, 2013
  • Workshop, Drama of Works Puppet Theater, 2012

Production History

  • Professional, New Conservatory Theatre Center, 2016