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.
July 15, 1992 - Midmorning’s Paula Schroeder talks with Minnesota Black actor and playwright Kim Hines about her revival of Who Was I The Last Time I Saw You?, which is being staged at The Southern Theater. The play is a one-woman performance highlighting four different lives of Black women/girls. Segment includes a powerful reading by Hines.
August 13, 1992 - MPR’s Beth Friend talks with playwright Laurie Carlos and director Lou Bellamy on the Penumbra-Walker collaboration of Carlo’s White Chocolate For My Father.
August 19, 1992 - Midmorning’s Paula Schroeder chats with playwright and actor Jolene Rice about writing and her play, The Red Lights of Bodie.
September 3, 1992 - On this Midday segment, Kevin Kling performs his monologue Lightning. It’s a shocking tale.
September 3, 1992 - On this special Midday program from the Minnesota State Fair, MPR’s Beth Friend presents a collection song, storytelling, and controversial art.
September 16, 1992 - MPR’s Beth Friend talks with members of Sink the Ships production being staged at Mixed Blood Theatre. The performance art piece provides a Native profile on the 500th anniversary of Columbus arrival to the “New World.”
September 17, 1992 - MPR’s Beth Friend reports on playwright John B. Davidson’s The Last Minstrel Show, being performed at The Penumbra Theatre. The play is about the lynching of three African American circus workers in Duluth on June 15th, 1920.
October 1, 1992 - A Worldview interview with local playwright Jim Stowell about his work in the rain forest of Brazil.
October 7, 1992 - MPR’s Liz Hannon sits down with actors Claudia Wilkens and Barbara Kingsley about their work in the Jungle Theater play, Gertrude Stein and a Companion.
October 9, 1992 - A Midmorning conversation with Joe Minjares, playwright and actor in King of the Kosher Grocers, a story of friendship among three men of different backgrounds set within a North Minneapolis grocer.