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 27, 1986 - MPR’s Beth Friend interviews renowned actor Hal Holbrook about his experience in portraying American writer and humorist Mark Twain on the stage.
September 20, 1986 - Dudley Riggs, producer and director of the Brave New Workshop, reflects on the entertainment business in the Twin Cities, and development of the Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre. Riggs also answers listener classes.
February 20, 1987 - MPR’s Beth Friend reports on members of five Twin Cities church choirs that have come together to perform together in “The Gospel at Colonus” musical at Guthrie Theatre. Friend interviews choir members about the production.
March 26, 1987 - MPR’s Beth Friend reports on Broadway opening of the August Wilson play, Fences.
March 27, 1987 - MPR’s Beth Friend presents an interview with James Earl Jones about his role as Troy Maxson in August Wilson's Fences.
May 13, 1987 - An interview with playwright Marisha Chamberlain's about her play, Angels of Warsaw. It revolves around travelers on a train ride between Paris and Warsaw. The play premieres at the Cricket Theater, in Minneapolis.
May 27, 1987 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Lou Bellamy, artistic director of The Penumbra Theatre, about August Wilson receiving a Pulitzer Prize Award.
May 28, 1987 - A Midday broadcast of playwright Marsha Norman speaking at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Norman talks about the role of family in the theater, contrasts American themes with British themes, and talks about her own family relationships.
August 5, 1987 - Pulitzer Prize-winning August Wilson shares a thank you to St. Paul. The playwright spent over a decade in the city, writing much of that time.
June 23, 1988 - On this Soundprint program, a profile of August Wilson, one of the most celebrated writers in contemporary American theater. In this portrait of the playwright, August Wilson shows how the rhythms and patterns from the 'sacred book of blues' are transformed into words and movement in his plays.