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.
August 7, 1998 - MPR’s Euan Kerr talks with Minneapolis playwright and columnist Syl Jones about his social satire Black No More. Jones says the work is a social satire about race, gender, religion, and science.
February 23, 1999 - The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis has announced its 1999-2000 season. While it maintains the Guthrie's devotion to the classics, it also feature new works, including a musical that wowed critics in London and another collaboration with St. Paul's Penumbra Theatre.
March 11, 1999 - Midday presents a broadcast of Sir Peter Hall, creator of the Royal Shakespeare Company, delivering a speech at the Guthrie Theater's annual "Global Voices Forum on Art and Life."
December 27, 1999 - As part of our Voices of Minnesota series, MPR’s Dan Olson profiles Internationally acclaimed singer and actor Joe Carter, who talks about his life and career.
March 8, 2000 - MPR’s Lorna Benson talks with composer Cooper Moore on his music direction of The Darker Face of the Earth.
March 17, 2000 - On this Word of Mouth program, MPR’s Chris Roberts brings together Lou Bellamy, Penumbra Theatre artistic director; and Dominic Papatola, Pioneer Press critic, to discuss viewpoints on poet Rita Dove’s The Darker Face Of The Earth play that was performed at the theatre.
July 18, 2001 - Joe Dowling, Guthrie Theater artistic director, sits in the studio with Gary Eichten to talk about the future of the venue and answer questions from MPR listeners.
December 17, 2001 - Stephen Sondheim, award-winning composer and lyricist, gives a speech at the Guthrie Theater's "Global Voices" series.
February 14, 2002 - MPR’s Marianne Combs profiles acclaimed playwright Lee Blessing's new play Thief River, which portrays two gay men growing up in rural Minnesota who choose very different paths in life. Over the next fifty years they remain in contact; their experiences reflect the changing attitudes toward homosexuality in America.
May 30, 2003 - MPR’s Marianne Combs reports on August Wilson’s play King Hedley II. Report includes interview with Penumbra’s Lou Bellamy and excerpts from play.