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UP alum Conor Eifler ’11 named 2021 Oregon Book Award Winner

Alumni

May 24, 2021

Conor EiflerUP alum Conor Eifler’s play “You Cannot Undo This Action,” received the Angus Bowmer Award for Drama from the 2021 Oregon Book Awards. Eifler’s psychological thriller was inspired by conversations with the Ida B. Wells High School community about social media and how it’s affecting the lives of adolescents. In exploring these issues, “You Cannot Undo This Action” aims to spark dialogue about our rapidly evolving digital world.

“This has felt like a real professional as well as personal turning point,” Eifler said. “I’m excited to see what’s around the bend.”

Eifler’s play received praise from out-of-state judges, including Michelle Carter who remarked “Playwright Conor Eifler’s first concern is rendering teenagers as dimensional human beings, showing their world the respect of his compassionate attention. The teenagers of ‘You Cannot Undo This Action’ are smart, hilarious, brave, fearful, wise, naive, and full of longing.”

The 2011 alum’s play was a commission from Playwrights West for the education program, Teen West Project, which has collaborated with Ida B. Wells High School since 2011. The play was performed on the last two weekends of February 2020.

Learn more about Eifler’s Oregon Book Award on the Literary Arts website.