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 9, 1992 - MPR’s Kitty Eisele interviews performer Cassandra Shore and a musician about Southern Theater’s production of 1001 Nights (ALF LAYLA WA LAYLA). Segment includes singing performance with an oud.
April 10, 1992 - A reading from Two Chairs Telling as part of MPR’s Voices from the Heartland series. Two Chairs Telling is a storyteller series at the Jungle Theater.
April 14, 1992 - MPR’s Mike Edgerly talks with former Twin Cities actor Danny Robinson Clark about The Piano Lesson, an August Wilson play being staged at The World Theatre. Clark portrays the character Wining Boy.
April 15, 1992 - MPR’s Kitty Eisele profiles August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, which is being performed at the World Theater. Report looks at how Wilson has given a path for local African American playwrights.
April 21, 1992 - Midday presents a keynote speech by playwright August Wilson, entitled "Odyssey of an African in America," for the Minnesota Alumni Association annual meeting. In speech, Wilson comments on his appreciation for St. Paul, his former home.
May 14, 1992 - MPR’s Kitty Eisele interviews director Julia Carey and actor Don T. Maseng about Little Theater production of Ron Hutchinson’s Rat in the Skull. The play explores the sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland through a tense interrogation between a Protestant RUC officer and a Catholic IRA bomber.
May 15, 1992 - MPR’s Beth Friend profiles the Playwrights' Center, as it celebrates 20 years fostering plays in Minneapolis. Segment includes numerous playwrights and artists reflecting on the importance of the organization to the arts community.
May 15, 1992 - MPR’s Bruce MacDonald talks with Lou Bellamy, artistic director at Penumbra Theatre, about productions of The Mighty Gents and Dutchman. Bellamy compares the subject matter of plays to the angry unrest after Rodney King trial acquittals. Bellamy also shares his personal thoughts.
June 11, 1992 - Local playwright Paul Mohrbacher talks about his play, The Chancellor's Tale, which won the 1991 Julie Harris Playwright Award Competition.
July 10, 1992 - Midmorning’s Paula Schroeder interviews actors Douglas Sills and Kevin McGuire about their experience as part of national tour of Secret Garden play.