September 25, 1996 - Playwrights and acting troupes have a range of motivations. The folks putting on Tony and Tina's Wedding, for instance, may not be looking for heavy dramatic catharsis from their audience. Showboat moves closer to a social lesson, but also entertains. A new company in Minneapolis opens tomorrow with a more serious motive. By putting on international works with a diverse company, Pangea World Theatre hopes to bring peace and unity. "Conference of the Birds" is based on a 12th Century Persian poem, and involves 15 actors -- including Melanie Julian and Luu Pham. The company was founded by Dipankar Mukherjee. The three joined me in the studio, and I asked Mukherjee how a theatre troupe can hope to bring about world peace and harmony.
September 25, 1996 - As part of a series on immigrant voices regarding immigration and foreign policy, MPR’s John Rabe interviews Tou Ger Xiong, a Hmong comedian and entertainer.
September 27, 1996 - Essay on a walk in the woods later collected in "Cold Comfort: Life at the Top of the Map" by Barton Sutter, published October 1998 by University of Minnesota Press.
September 27, 1996 - This fall, there is a brand new U.S. citizen in one St Paul family. Commentator Becky Helegesen says the whole process was - amazing.
September 28, 1996 - MPR’s Lorna Benson interviews Eleanor Lanahan, F. Scott Fitzgerald's granddaughter about her famous grandfather, as well as Zelda, her grandmother. Lanahan also discusses how her mother somewhat protected children from the family history.
September 29, 1996 -
September 30, 1996 - A special extended Midday program about 1996 election with two debates and commentary.
September 30, 1996 - Roger Moe, Minnesota Senate majority leader, talks about survey over public funding for a new ballpark and the debate at State Capitol.
October 2, 1996 - A show billed as the world's first and only polka musical opens tomorrow night in Saint Cloud. The New Tradition Theatre Company will present the first Minnesota production of "Evelyn and the Polka King", by Minneapolis playwright John Olive.
October 4, 1996 - As part of Meet the Candidates series, Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone about recent legislation passed in Congress and the 1996 senate race. Listeners also call-in with questions.