New Franco Nieto Work Debuts at Open Space

“Do You See Me?” takes the stage in North Portland

Onry (Photo Credit: Alex Castille)

Open Space, Portland’s home for contemporary dance, proudly presents the world premiere of Do You See Me?, a bold new evening-length work by Artistic Director Franco Nieto. Running May 15–17 and 20–22, 2026 at the Open Space Creative Container in North Portland’s Kenton neighborhood, this 80-minute production invites audiences into an intimate, immersive performance experience—just inches from the action.

A coming-of-age story at its core, Do You See Me? examines identity formation, concealment, and the universal search for acceptance. Through physically charged choreography and layered theatrical design, Nieto crafts a work that confronts the tension between how we are seen and how we see ourselves. Dramaturg Noelle Kayser supports the development of the work’s narrative and conceptual framework, shaping a piece that is both raw and exacting, and rooted in a deeply human exploration of visibility and truth.

The production features a layered soundscape, with original score elements and live vocals by acclaimed Portland-based artist Onry, a tenor with Portland Opera, interwoven with additional musical works that shape the emotional arc of the piece. Costumes by award-winning designer Joshua Myrie further amplify themes of transformation and perception, blurring the line between camouflage and revelation.

Developed through a highly collaborative process, Do You See Me? incorporates choreographic contributions from the full cast—Open Space Company Artists Ariel Clarke, Elise Gonsalves, Kylee Killian, and Ellie Thomas, alongside guest artist Michael Arellano and Open Space Too trainees CJ Hankins and Omar Vargas-Nino—whose individual voices help shape the physical and emotional landscape of the work.

Performances are scheduled for May 15, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.; May 16 at 2 p.m.; May 17 at 7:30 p.m.; and May 20 through May 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Open Space Creative Container, 8371 N. Interstate Ave. in Portland. The venue is ADA accessible, with a run time of 80 minutes and no intermission. Tickets range from $5 to $45, with Arts for All options available, and all ages are welcome.

Open Space is a creative container for dance and movement where EVERY body is welcome. Founded in 2020 by Franco Nieto (Artistic Director), Charlene Hannibal (Executive Director), and Maeve Dougal (Director of Education), Open Space is a nonprofit contemporary dance company and school based in the Kenton neighborhood of North Portland.

Open Space’s professional company produces four productions each season, including three presented in its intimate Creative Container—where audiences experience work up close—and its annual holiday production NOT-Cracker at Portland’s downtown Newmark Theatre. The organization also operates The School at Open Space, serving over 300 students annually (ages 2–21), and awarding more than $55,000 in scholarships each year—ensuring no student is turned away due to financial need.

Central to its artistic ecosystem is Open Space Too, a rigorous two-year training program for advanced dancers (18+) designed to bridge the gap between training and professional careers. Open Space Too artists work alongside the professional company, perform in multiple productions, and engage with visiting choreographers, creating a dynamic pipeline for emerging artists.

Open Space’s Creative Container also offers adult classes in ballet, contemporary, improvisation, and more—25% of which are free to the community. Through performance, education, and community access, Open Space continues to expand equitable opportunities for dance in North Portland and beyond.