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.
May 4, 2006 - MPR’s Toni Randolph reports on how current community issues are being portrayed in a prominent way at a couple of Twin Cities theater companies.
August 9, 2006 - The University of Minnesota Libraries have acquired the archive of Penumbra Theatre Company in St. Paul.
October 4, 2006 - The Penumbra Theatre Company in St. Paul kicked off its 30th anniversary season by announcing a multi-year August Wilson project.
March 19, 2007 - The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis will stage 18 works in the coming season starting in July 2007.
December 6, 2007 - Dominic Papatola, Morning Edition arts commentator and St. Paul Pioneer Press theater critic, talks about the state of midsize theaters in the Twin Cities and the differing outlooks.
January 16, 2008 - MPR’s Marriane Combs interviews poet Robery Bly and actor Mark Rylance about Guthrie Theater’s “Peer Gynt” production.
July 31, 2008 - The MPR Arts team provides a preview on the 15th annual Minnesota Fringe Festival, the Midwest's biggest performing arts festival. For ten days, actors and dancers will perform in over 150 shows throughout Minneapolis.
August 21, 2008 - MPR’s Tom Crann talks with Lou Bellamy, artistic director at Penumbra Theatre, about the production of Fences by August Wilson.
March 10, 2009 - Penumbra's artistic director Lou Bellamy and actors join Midmorning to talk about Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin in the Sun.
August 3, 2009 - MPR’s Euan Kerr speaks with Penumbra Artistic Director Lou Bellamy about Claude Purdy, a founding member of the Penumbra Theater in St. Paul. Bellamy says Purdy offered many strengths to the stage.