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.
April 16, 1994 - A performance clip from an unknown Theater Mu production.
July 1, 1994 - On this First Friday segment, Moscow theater group Igroky-Happy Russians discuss Animal Farm ‘94 and perform scenes from stage production. Director Leonid Gerchikov leads the group.
July 7, 1994 - MPR’s Joe Follansbee profiles student Lauren Gilchrist as she prepares A Woman in the Holocaust, a play that focuses on the experience of a 19-year-old Czechoslovakian woman named Elizabeth Mermelstein who survived the Holocaust and came to the United States.
July 8, 1994 - A conversation with Chuck Davis, artistic director of the African American Dance Ensemble and choreographer of Babu's Magic: Dance, Rhythm, Culture - An African Perspective. During interview, Davis speaks of the musical, Geoffrey Holder, and dancing with Olatunji at the 1964 New York World's Fair.
July 22, 1994 - Midmorning’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Lisa Jones, author of Bulletproof Diva and playwright of Combination Skin. The two discuss race, racial identity, and cultural differences between Minneapolis and New York City.
August 11, 1994 - MPR’s Greta Cunningham talks with actors Molly Culligan and Colm "Stride" O'Brien about performing Keith Gunderson’s play, 3142 Lyndale Avenue South, Apt 24.
August 11, 1994 - An All Things Considered conversation with Sekou Sundiata, a poet and playwright; and Rhodessa Jones, a director, teacher, and writer about capturing culture in art and enlightening youth.
September 12, 1994 - An interview with Sheila Livingston, director of theater education at the Guthrie Theater, about Jessica Tandy, one of the first actors hired by Tyrone Guthrie.
January 24, 1995 - MPR’s Greta Cunningham talks with Lou Bellamy, artistic director at Penumbra Theatre, about playwright August Wilson and his latest play Seven Guitars.
August 26, 1995 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews playwright and actor Mark Broyard about his play Inside the Creole Mafia. Broyard discusses the racial aspects of play.