Northwest Children’s Theater (NWCT) and Corrib Theatre team up for the co-production of From a Hole in the Ground by Portland-based playwright, poet, and actor Ken Yoshikawa. Commissioned and produced initially by Corrib Theatre in January 2025, From a Hole in the Ground is an original fairytale inspired by Irish folklore.
In this whimsical story, two mischievous Irish fairies must convince a young girl to help them restore the balance of nature when a generational curse threatens to halt the turning of the seasons. The fairies confront a ghostly revenant, a shape-shifting Púca, a river goddess, pesky human beings, and even death itself to complete their quest.
NWCT Artistic Director Sarah Jane Hardy saw Corrib’s production earlier this year and immediately reached out to ask about the possibility of staging it at The Judy. “I thought it was one of the most magical and engaging pieces of theater I’ve seen in Portland. The audience was multi-generational, with the youngsters enjoying the show as much as their parents and grandparents. I am delighted that the Corrib team agreed to co-produce it here for NWCT audiences.”
Ken Yoshikawa is a playwright, poet, and actor from Portland who revels in the magic of storytelling. In his theatre career, he has appeared at Northwest Children’s Theater, Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland Center Stage, Oregon Adventure Theatre, and Portland Playhouse.
“It’s such an honor to bring From a Hole in the Ground to The Judy,” says Yoshikawa. “Audiences have really connected with the play, and I’m excited to see how kids respond. It feels like a big step forward in my playwriting career.”
Yoshikawa states that while the play was initially written for adult audiences, only minor revisions were required to make it suitable for a youth audience. “Some of the language has been adjusted, but the spirit of the play, and the themes—including mortality—are still intact. Kids can understand and process a lot more than we might think, and this play can act as a conversation starter for harder subjects.”
Returning for the remount are the three original actors: Claire Aldridge, Olivia Mathews, and Joellen Sweeney. The multi-talented group of performers each play multiple roles and work flawlessly as an ensemble to create an entire world from a small collection of imaginative scenic and prop elements. Mathews and Sweeney were recently included in ArtsWatch’s list of seven young artists who are making a difference in the Portland theater scene.
From a Hole in the Ground is presented in The Ball Black Box at The Judy in downtown Portland. Performances run from September 27 to October 5 on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
An ASL-interpreted performance will take place on Saturday, October 4, at 3 pm.
In addition to weekend public shows, more than 400 students will see From a Hole in the Ground during 6 weekday school matinee performances.
From a Hole in the Ground is produced in part through the support of the Oregon Arts Commission, Kafoury McDougal: Lawyers for the People, and NWCT’s donor families; plus media sponsors PDX Parent and NW Kids.
Tickets are on sale now at nwcts.org. Audiences can get youth pricing on adult tickets—a 24% savings—with the code YOUTHPRICE25 when they purchase by August 31.
VENUE >> NWCT’s HOME: The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts (1000 SW Broadway, Suite T-100, Portland, OR 97205)
Sept. 27 – Oct. 5, 2025 – Saturdays & Sundays – 11 am & 3 pm
Most enjoyed by ages eight and up. ASL Interpreted Show Sat. Oct. 4 at 3 pm
TICKETS: $25-$35 – $5 Arts for All tickets are available for Oregon Trail/SNAP cardholders.
nwcts.org • 503-222-2190
Please see nwcts.org/faqs for details.
