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Issue #14.2 |
In this issue: The Play's the Thing
The Guthrie and Ordway Center are indubitably gems of Minnesota’s theater scene, drawing star talent from across the country to perform on their stages. But artistic risks are hard to take when you’re working to ensure the continued survival of big-budget, plush surroundings and aiming to please large mainstream audiences. Smaller theater companies carry the benefits youth: they are freer to experiment and more likely to hazard a flop for the sake of innovation. Simply put, these independent companies and smaller venues are still hungry and their productions are all the more exciting for that passion. For this issue of a+E we’ve compiled an extensive list of indie theater companies in the area for the Mashup collection, and Twin Cities director Kristopher Lencowski offers a persuasive pitch for checking them out. To make it even more attractive to line up the babysitter, mnAccess hooks you up with discounts to two fantastic shows opening next month presented by a couple of wonderful up-and-coming theaters. You Are Here offers an eclectic mix: magic, sex, tragedy, independent film for kids, and rollergirls. And don’t forget to check out One for the Road for a silly video that would make Sid and Marty Krofft proud. |
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Mashup: Director Kristopher Lencowski on Minnesota's Indie Theater Community |
WHEN I WAS A STUDENT, I LOVED BEING PART OF THE THEATER COMMUNITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA. I was constantly in contact with my peers. We learned together, put up shows, and challenged each other, forcing ourselves to reconsider our concepts of the theater. Since graduation, I have been a part of communities like this—but only packaged in neat six to nine week increments. It’s great while it lasts: you live with your fellow actors, directors, technicians and writers, and spend an intense month or two sharing yourself with them and working together to make the impossible happen on stage. Then, on closing night you say goodbye. Sure, afterwards, you think of them often. And when you see one of your old castmates at the grocery store, even though you’re essentially strangers at this point, there is still a connection because you’ve had such an intimate experience with them. And until now, this was all the community we who work in the theater really had, because there was no central meeting point inclusive of artists at all different levels, working on their own projects, in a wide variety of places.
But all that’s changed. As a director in the Twin Cities, I now have access to the Emerging and Freelance Director’s Group. It is a place where theater professionals can learn new techniques, network with each other, and, most important, find that elusive sense of community….the article continues on mnartists.org.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE and browse an extensive collection of some of the area’s most intriguing indie theaters and emerging directorial talent.
Go to mnartists.org to get Kris Lencowski’s take on just what indie theaters offer that larger venues can’t, why the Twin Cities are tops for cultivating new dramatic talent, and his pitch to you on the joys of catching tomorrow’s star playhouses today, while they’re on their way up.
About the Group: The Emerging and Freelance Director’s Group is about bringing together directors of theater in the Twin Cities to connect, learn, support and inspire one another. We meet once a week and have members at all levels of their craft—some who are just beginning to direct, others who have started their own theaters, and a number of members who are already well-established freelance directors in the Cities.
 About the author: Kristopher Lencowski is a leader in the theater, spearheading projects like the traveling shadow puppet show, Danse Macabre, and the recent Swedish Institute collaboration on Creditors. He has performed with the Jungle Theater, Jeune Lune, and Commonweal, and will serve as Assistant Director for The Lost Boys of Sudan at the Children’s Theatre Company, which opens in late March. This summer, he plans to collaborate with Laura Purcell Gates to produce a new work, Cityceased.
Photo credits: At top left, Megan Odell is pictured playing the part of "The Dead Girl" in Please Don't Blow Up Mr. Boban, a play by Live Action Set and Jon Ferguson. The photo was taken during a 2005 performance of the show at The Soap Factory by Scott Pakudaitis. Middle right, The Red Eye Collaboration in a 2005 performance of The Swim by Janet Allard. Photo by Red Eye company member Liz Josheff. Bottom left, photo of Kristopher Lencowski appears courtesy the artist. |
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Homepage: Catch up on the latest features from mnartists.org |
And coming soon on mnartists.org...
mnartists.org is having some work done! Have you always wanted an arts magazine with in-depth coverage of all the arts in Minnesota: with reviews by diverse voices, features on arts issues, and access to a forum in which to discuss it all? Well, now you have it! Our desultory articles area is turning into a weekly magazine which will publish ten regular departments, new every Monday morning. Look for the jam-packed first issue in the redesigned format on
March 4.
In the meantime: keep your eyes open for Michael Fallon’s revealing investigation into the fates of Minnesota’s aging artists, and watch for Rich Horton’s feature on New Zealand-to-Minnesota transplants behind the sensational ’80s retro-pop of Quarter Acre Lifestyle. On the visual arts front, you won’t want to miss Patricia Briggs’s profile of the promising new Minneapolis co-op gallery, Form + Content, whose very first show (curated by the Walker’s own, Doryun Chong) is opening March 3.
Get ahead of the book club and check out next month’s Thinking Souls: a monthly literary series selection for March: Rose Brewer’s The Color of Wealth, an illuminating new book covering the racially loaded distribution of wealth in this country.
Finally, while you’re out and about: be on the lookout for the new What Light: This Week’s Poem anthology, which will be available beginning in March 2007 in independent bookstores; and if you’re in the Minneapolis Central Public Library, stop by “Space 144” and check out the current mnartists.org exhibit of work outlandish toy-sculpture designer Asia Ward.
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Film
Friends’ Film Chronicles Presents Movietime for Kids
Film still from one of the featured films, Make Mine Music, Walt Disney, 1946. |
The Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library is providing a fantastic a new program of award-winning classic, independent, and new world cinema selected by Deb Girdwood and Isabelle Harder of Childish Films. Even better, there are films especially chosen for both bigger kids and munchkins, ages 3 and up. Another bonus: the youngest audience members will enjoy a different, short but sweet interactive activity (dance party, art-making, live music, storytelling) before each screening. Admission is free and complimentary snacks are being provided by Whole Foods.
Where: Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall
When: Saturdays throughout March, see website for show times and movie details or call 612-630-6174.
Tickets: FREE and open to the public |
Free Range Film Festival:
Call for Filmmakers
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The increasingly popular Free Range Film Festival is now accepting submissions for their fourth annual indie and DIY film extravaganza. Selected films will be shown on a 24-foot screen inside rural Minnesota farm building built in 1916. “We want to promote local and regional filmmakers as well as offer audiences some alternatives to the regular Cineplex fair,” says Anne Dugan, festival organizer. “We’re looking for something fun, different, or thought provoking. A Free Range film might be anything from a 15-minute documentary to a full-length feature to a short movie about paper-mache puppets in Russia.” says Dugan.
When: This year’s festival is scheduled for Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28.
Where: Filmmakers who are interested in submitting their work can send labeled entries to: Free Range Film Festival, PO Box 56, Wrenshall, MN, 55797. There is an entry fee of $5, but filmmakers will not be turned away for lack of funds. An on-line entry form is available at www.freerangefilm.com. |
Lectures and Panels
Five Artistic Lives: a panel of Minnesota women in the arts
Literary Essences by Wendy Fernstrum, mixed media artist book, 2000. |
Listen is as some of the most talented female artists in Minnesota candidly discuss their lives as contemporary women and careers in the arts. Join printmaker Carolyn Swizcsz, photographer Dona Schwartz, book-maker Wendy Fernstrum, textile artist Jean Matzke, and ceramicist Kelly Connole, along with moderator multimedia artist Jan Estep for this timely panel discussion. The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Center for Photography, The Highpoint Center for Printmaking, The Textile Center of Minnesota, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and the Northern Clay Center. Be sure and browse through the collection of work from a number of these artists on mnartists.org.
Where: Minnesota Center for Photography, Minneapolis
When: March 1, 7:00 pm
Tickets: FREE and open to the public |
Literary Events
Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan reads from RollerGirl: Totally True Tales From The Track
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Roller Derby is back—faster, edgier, and cooler than ever—and it’s becoming popular all over the country. Splicing the sex appeal of burlesque with the punk aesthetic of skateboarding, the new wave of RollerGirls skate like the devil, knock each other around like pinballs, and redefine what it means to be sexy, stylish, and sporty. Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan, founding member of the Texas RollerGirls—the league that launched the new wave of the sport—recounts her best tales from track in an appealingly mouthy, tough-as-nails style. Magers and Quinn will be there with copies of the book to sell.
Where: Roy Wilkins Auditorium, Saint Paul
When: Saturday, March 3rd at the Roller Derby bout. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Tickets: $10-$12 in advance, $12-$14 at the door. Advance tickets are available at the RiverCentre Box Office and online at www.ticketmaster.com. |
Reader’s Art 7: Frugal Finds for Prudent Collectors
Image appears courtesy Susan Hensel Design Gallery
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Are you aware that you can own original works of art for as little as $3? You can! In this seventh year of Reader’s Art, a national (and sometimes international) survey show of artists’ books, the theme is “frugality”. Artists from at home and around the world were asked to submit original artist’s books that met one of two criteria: Books on any theme, priced below $100 OR Books on the theme of “frugality”, for any price. Twenty one artists or arts collectives representing eleven states as well as the UK are planning to be part of this one-of-a-kind show. You can find out about the participating artists and related events on Susan Hensel Design Gallery’s website.
Where: The Susan Hensel Gallery, Minneapolis
When: The exhibit runs from March 3 to April 28. There is an opening reception planned for Friday, March 3 from 5-9 pm.
Tickets: FREE and open to the public |
Magic
The David Harris Show
Photo appears courtesy David Harris |
Comic magician David Jacob Harris joins forces with performance artist David Matthew Harris to create a spectacular variety show. David and David share more than just a name—they’ve both got an innovative performance style, a clever sense of humor, masterful skill, and a knack for vaudeville. They’re billing this as: “one name, two performers, three times the entertainment.”
Where: The Black Box Theater at the Center for Independent Artists, Minneapolis
When: Thursday and Friday, February 22-23, shows begin at 7:30 pm.
Tickets: $10 ($8 for students/members/seniors, free for anyone named “David Harris” with a valid ID) |
Theater
Sandbox Theatre Presents the World Premiere of What Remains by
Ryan Hill
Photo from What Remains courtesy
Sandbox Theatre
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Inaugurating the third season for the Sandbox Theatre, What Remains explores the loss of one’s partner to untimely death, the aftermath of secrets too long held, and the heartbreaking struggles faced when a long-time relationship had little legal and social recognition.
Where: The Red Eye Theatre, Minneapolis
When: The show opens March 1 and runs through March 23. Shows are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sunday show times will be 7 pm. An opening night gala will be held Thursday, March 1 at 8 pm; there will be a special post-show discussion following a special Wednesday night performance March 21.
Tickets: $14-$25. Reserve tickets by calling 612-220-3194. Tickets to the opening gala (including admission to the show) are $25. |
Pillsbury House Theatre Presents Underneath the Lintel: An Impressive Presentation of Lovely Evidences
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This one-man Off Broadway hit comedy opens with a Dutch librarian who has rented the theatre to tell a tale about following the trail of a long-overdue book in what becomes a globe-hopping, transformational quest. Underneath the Lintel is an existential mystery about obsession, the nature of time, the substance of life, and the possibility of miracles. The Pillsbury House Theatre production is featuring Twin Cities theater expat John Shurman (La Cage aux Folles on Broadway) and direction by Pillsbury House’s Co-Artistic Director.
Where: Pillsbury House Theater, Minneapolis
When: Performances begin February 23 and the show runs until March 24, with showings Wednesdays through Thursdays, beginning at 7:30 pm.
Tickets: $18 (Thursdays through Saturdays); Wednesday performances are pay-as-you-can. For reservations, call
612-825-0459. |
An Experiment with an Air Pump
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Macalester College Theater and Dance Department presents An Experiment with an Air Pump, by British playwright Shelagh Stephenson and directed by visiting instructor, Cheryl Moore Brinkley. Hailed by the New York Daily News as “an impressive tapestry of complex issues, the show is a cutting-edge drama portraying two families living in the same house, each struggling with the political and ethical repercussions of scientific discovery. Separated by two centuries, the parallel families face similar dilemmas, both social and scientific. Then one family makes a shocking discovery that throws the very nature of the other into question.
Where: Macalester College, Main Stage Theater at the Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, Saint Paul
When: February 22-24, all shows begin at 7:30 pm.
Tickets: $7 ($5 seniors and groups) |
Visual Arts
Environments of Invention
Autumnal Lotus by Holly Anderson Jorde, 2004.
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Environments of Invention offers a mix of contemporary installation, sculpture, ceramics, and paintings by six regional artists who assimilate and fabricate aspects of nature, man-made structures and imaginary systems. The Minnesota artists included in this exhibition include: Holly Anderson Jorde of Duluth, David Lefkowitz of Northfield, Cherith Lundin of St. Paul, Liz Miller of Good Thunder, Erika Olson of Minneapolis, and Margaret Pezalla-Granlund of Minneapolis.
Where: Minnesota Museum of American Art, Saint Paul
When: Exhibit runs until March 25. See website for gallery hours.
Tickets: FREE and open to the public |
Erotic Justice: A Dialogue on
Contemporary Sexuality
Arbitration of Love by Robert Rapinski,
mixed media.
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As the title of this collaborative exhibit suggests (the phrase “erotic justice” originates with 12th century philosopher Hildegard of Bingen), some of the complexities we face today as we try to get a handle on a balanced viewpoint about sexuality would appear to be the same as those who went before us for generations, timeless and universal. This provocative dialogue between visual art and verse revolves around the independent work of six Northern Printmakers Alliance printmakers (Robert Rapinski, Anna Marie Pavlik, Robb Quisling, Gordon Manary, Cecilia Lieder, and Tom Rauschenfels) and six Lake Superior Writers (Barton Sutter, Eleie Schoenfeld, Sheila Packa, Jeff Holden, John McCormick, and Mara Kirk Hart). They’re coming together to propose a conversation in art on various issues raised by contemporary notions of sexuality. Prints and chapbooks related to this event are available for sale.
Where: Northern Prints Gallery, Duluth
When: The exhibit runs until March 31. Gallery hours are noon to 4 pm, Thursday through Saturday and by appointment. There is an opening reception and reading scheduled for February 28 from 5 to 8 pm.
Tickets: FREE and open to the public |
The Suburbans Get Winter-ized: a solo exhibition by David Paul Seymour
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You may have seen David Paul Seymour’s witty, ultra-mod work featured at the Mall of America as part of the mnartists.org exhibit at the MOA's Park in Bloom event in recent weeks. Now, you can get up close and personal with this up-and-comer's psychedelic pop sensibility by taking in his solo exhibition over a cup of coffee.
Where: Dunn Bros. Freight House, Minneapolis
When: The exhibit runs from February 20 through March 31. Opening night festivities on Friday, February 24 include a meet ‘n’ greet from 7-10 pm and music by Dunbar.
Tickets: FREE and open to the public |
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CREDITS
Project Director, mnartists.org: Kathleen Kvern
access+ENGAGE Editor: Susannah Schouweiler
E-journal design: Brand & Butter
Featured Contributors and Artists
Banner image (cropped and reprinted here with artists' permission): CC Rae Getting Ready, photo from the Getting Ready Project series, by Minneapolis-based artist Jenny Price, 2005. You can browse through many more of her stunning photographs and get detailed info on the story behind this provocative series by visiting her website, www.jennyprice.com.
A note about our sponsor: If you're in the market for studio space in the Twin Cities, check out Carleton Artist Lofts. The spaces are cool and it's a nice way to say thanks for their generous support of artists and access+ENGAGE.
access+ENGAGE is a twice monthly e-journal offering indispensable,
fuss-free coverage of the arts in Minnesota and beyond
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