An Important Message From Nataki Garrett

To the Oregon Shakespeare Festival community,

#BlackLivesMatter at OSF and we will not remain silent in the aftermath and ongoing trauma experienced across the country due to the unconscionable murders of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Sean Reed and countless others in our nation’s history of state-sanctioned violence against Black bodies. 

We acknowledge that Black people have suffered too long under the racism in America and stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues—artists, staff, volunteers, patrons, supporters—and all Black communities across the country.

OSF urges anyone not aligned with the movement, especially if you are White, to educate yourself and your communities to become better, make a positive difference, and be accomplices in the fight against systemic racism through direct action and empowering change. We must all work to end white supremacy and police brutality.

I am a Black woman and the sixth artistic director of this 85-year-old institution.

I am clear that my appointment did not come without the sacrifice of Black people.

It is my responsibility to guarantee that OSF continues to uplift and amplify voices of those that these acts are meant to silence. We believe in the social justice of artmaking and the power of the artists we serve. We also stand outside our theaters with those of you in the streets and in your homes working toward a more just future. We see you and thank you.

Let none of us remain silent.

Take care of yourself and each other.