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.
September 30, 2015 - MPR’s Marianne Comb interviews writer and performer Roger Guenveur Smith about his play Rodney King. The one-man show is performed at Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul.
October 7, 2015 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer reports on the one-man show Rodney King, playing at the Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul, that resonates with the discussion on race. Report includes clip of interview with actor Roger Guenveur Smith.
October 23, 2015 - MPR’s Doualy Xaykaothao interviews local playwright May Lee-Yang and poet/playwright Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay about “Hmong-Lao Friendship Play.”
January 8, 2016 - A discussion about the future of theater with Guthrie Theater's Joe Haj, Jungle Theater's Sarah Rasmussen, Penumbra Theatre's Sarah Bellamy, and Mu Performing Arts' Randy Reyes.
February 29, 2016 - MPR’s Marianne Combs reports on Penumbra Theatre’s opening run of The Dutchman and The Owl Answers - two surreal one-act plays that explore race relations, sexual politics and biracial identity.
July 21, 2016 - MPR’s Marianne Combs reports on the opening of play Disgraced at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. The play deals with racial politics and reflects the Guthrie's effort to stage more diverse stories, with more diverse casts. Combs reports that there's another diversity push getting underway - backstage.
November 17, 2017 - MPR’s Marianne Combs profiles 10-year-old Sophie Jones of Chaska. The young actor makes her debut in the high-profile role of Tiny Tim at The Guthrie’s production of A Christmas Carol.
September 14, 2018 - In the stage adaption of Mary Shelley’s classic story, the monster and his creator wrestle with timeless questions at the Guthrie Theater.