Credit: GARY NORMAN

escapedalone-shakingthetree.jpg

GARY NORMAN

In the afternoon light, four older women sit in a cozy backyard, their teacups on a small table. They are three longtime friends joined by a new person: a neighbor. All speak in snippets, creating a feeling of familiarity or eavesdropping. Then the neighbor, Mrs. Jarrett (Jacklyn Maddux), stands, steps forward, and describes the way the world was destroyed by rocks.

Suzette Smith is the arts & culture editor of the Portland Mercury. Go ahead and tell her about all your food, art, and culture gripes: suzette@portlandmercury.com. Follow her on Twitter, Bluesky,...