This week we talked with Nataki Garrett, artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Ore. — one of the finest companies in the country. She was appointed artistic director in August 2019 and was scheduled to start in April 2020. As you can imagine, the timing was less than ideal, which is why Nataki’s first full in-person season is only underway now.

We had a fruitful talk that covered a lot of ground: what it was like starting her job at Oregon Shakes during a pandemic, running a repertory company, building a season, improving diversity and access, and more.

Nataki was also candid about how scary things can get (she has received death threats).

No matter where you live or what your relationship with theater is — whether you are an audience member or a theatermaker — this is a bracing conversation.

Further reading: Nataki’s op-ed in “The Oregonian.”

Thanks to Christian Huygen for our theme music.

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