Theater arts has been at the center of the creative atmosphere within Minnesota for decades. The varied array of local venues have both fostered talent through the years and brought world-renowned individuals to present their artistic approaches to our Minnesota stages. The theater scene has also been integral in social dynamics within our communities…from social issues, race, to gender.
The likes of The Guthrie, Mixed Blood, Penumbra, Park Square, Stages Theater, History Theatre, Theater in the Round, Duluth Playhouse, and so many more have drawn audiences in and left an indelible mark.
Collected here are a selection of interviews, performances, critiques, and profiles of those behind and in front of the curtains.
December 15, 1972 - MPR’s Connie Goldman reports on Hell, That’s Politics, a play being staged at Minneapolis’ Theatre in the Round. Goldman interviews playwright Ernest Bormann, a professor at University of Minnesota, about his work and the history of Huey Long.
May 30, 1977 - MPR’s Rachel Kranz reports on the efforts of local The Playwrights’ Lab. Kranz speaks with playwright Terry Lappin about the organization.
November 10, 1977 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan reports on new theatre opening in St. Paul, called Penumbra. Fushan interviews Lou Bellamy, Penumbra’s company coordinator, about the theater and its focus on Black talent.
May 22, 1978 - On this Midday ‘Playwrights' Lab’ hour special, a feature of short dramatic pieces by area playwrights. Program also includes arts reporter Nancy Fushan talking with playwrights-in-residence Mark Frost and Jon Olive, who discuss their works.
July 5, 1978 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan reports on performance of Polish playwright Sławomir Mrożek’s Tango at Mixed Blood Theatre. Fushan talks with producer Jack Reuler and director Bob Bruhler about the generational family play.
January 24, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan presents Playwrights’ Laboratory, which showcases playwright Mark Frost’s Between Flights, a drama written especially for radio, with assistance from the Minneapolis Playwrights' Lab.
January 29, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews William Bolcom and Joan Morris, musicians and members of the Guthrie Theater production of John Gay's The Beggar's Opera. The ballad opera is a satirical glimpse at 18th century England.
March 28, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan presents Playwrights’ Laboratory, which showcases playwright Nancy Beckett’s Clothes Conscious, a drama written especially for radio, with assistance from the Minneapolis Playwrights' Lab.
May 23, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan presents Playwrights’ Laboratory, which showcases playwright Eric Anderson’s Policy, a drama written especially for radio with assistance from the Minneapolis Playwrights' Lab.
November 1, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews director Scott Rubsam, playwright Lance Belleville, and actor Jim Lawless about the COMPAS-St. Paul History Theater production James J. Hill: The Man Who Bought Minneapolis, performed at the Landmark Center.