<p>I am an actor living in the Portland area. One time, over coffee with Harlan Baker and Mark Honan, both of whom are extraodinary acctors, the three of had a conversation about the local theater scene. Given the wealth of local talent and resources, the three of us deigned to attempt the seeming bold: to produce Tess of the D'Ubervilles as it was writen by Thomas Hardy over a century ago.</p> <p> </p> <p>Tess of the D'Ubervilles is my favorite novel. It enraptured me with its uncompromising depiction of the plight of a good women driven to unspeakable deeds all in the name of love.</p> <p> </p> <p>The story is dark, unforgiving, sexy, and sensative to a true heart.</p> <p>It may be sheer audacity, it may be grief for a sorrpw that will not cease to be, or it may be just the thing of theater that will shock and delight audiences simultaneously.</p>