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 10, 1993 - Playwright Jose Cruz Gonzalez and producer Alberto Justiniano talk about Latino theatre and the play, La Posada (The Inn). The play is being premiered by Teatro del Pueblo at the Guthrie Theatre.
December 23, 1993 - MPR’s Joe Follansbee reports from Rochester’s Federal Medical Center, where prisoners are preparing an annual production of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. Follansbee interviews a few of the participants.
January 15, 1994 - Playwright, director, actor, and storyteller Jim Stowell shares a Rio Grande story. He is a co-founder of The Minnesota Ensemble Theater and The Palace Theater.
January 22, 1994 - MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with American composer Dominick Argento about his opera The Dream of Valentino, a chronicle of the life of silent movie star Rudolph Valentino.
February 7, 1994 - Midmorning’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Black playwright Kim Hines about SteppingStone Theatre's Production of Home on the Morning Train. The work is an Underground Railroad play for teens.
February 19, 1994 - Clark Morphew, a religion columnist for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, discusses a religious play he has put together.
February 24, 1994 - MPR’s John Rabe profiles playwright and performer Kevin Kling and his play, The Ice Fishing Play. Segment includes interview with Kling and performance excerpts.
March 4, 1994 - On this First Friday segment, a profile on Cricket Theatre's play Sacred Journey, based on homeless life of "Indian John.” MPR’s Euan Kerr interviews playwright Matt Witten, director Bill Partlan, and Mescalero-Apache actor Adan Sanchez.
March 31, 1994 - Director Steven Kent and playwright Martha Boesing talk about creating Hard Times Come Again No More, a play based on the writings of Meridel Le Sueur.
March 31, 1994 - MPR’s Eaun Kerr profiles the Illusion Theater production of Hard Times Come Again No More, a play based on the writings by Meridel Le Sueur. Segment includes interviews and performance clips.