History Theatre statement on LBTQIA+ Pride Month
June 27, 2020
At History Theatre, we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community in the month of June and all other months of the year, because we recognize that it is more important than ever to uplift the voices in the ongoing fight for social justice and for civil and human rights.
We were fortunate to share Susan Kimberly’s story on stage this spring, and honored to partner with great organizations who work in this vibrant and diverse community. We invite you to seek out stories, like Susan’s, which can help us understand the past and build a brighter future. At History Theatre, we will do the same.
Here are a list of resources that support LGBTQIA+ folks in our community, please consider making a contribution.
Spilling the HT: The Highwaymen
June 26, 2020
A conversation with playwright Josh Wilder and members of the cast of Josh’s play THE HIGHWAYMEN, which premiered at History Theatre in 2017. The play tells the story of how I-94 was routed through St. Paul’s thriving Rondo neighborhood, decimating the city’s Black community.
Click Here to stream online
Special guest Melvin Carter Jr., who grew up in Rondo during its heyday.
Cast Members: Rex Isom Jr., Kevin D. West, Peter Thomson.
Learn more about 'The Highwaymen'
· "The Highwaymen" tells the story of St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood (MPR)
· Rondo neighborhood play dedicated to 'memories we step on and the lives we drive over' (Pioneer Press)
· Paying tribute to a community that paid tremendous price for sake of progress (CityPages)
· High Stakes in The Highwaymen (Twin Cities Arts Reader)
New Dawn Theatre's "A Breath for George"
June 17, 2020
History Theatre stands with New Dawn Theatre to present a free outdoor screening of "A Breath for George," a collection of songs, interviews, and poems created to honor the life of George Floyd. The screening on Monday, June 22, 8:30pm is free and open to the public. The film will be projected on the wall of History Theatre's main entrance at 30 E. 10th Street, St. Paul. Please use a face mask and maintain social distance by at least 6 feet. Lawn chairs are optional. Donations will be accepted for local charities.
“New Dawn Theatre has created beautiful, stirring tribute to honor the life of George Floyd. History Theatre patrons and all our friends and neighbors should hear these stories and songs that may help us heal, come together and work to make a better future for all Americans,” said Ron Peluso, History Theatre Artistic Director.
Artists featured include James T. Alfred, Aimee Bryant, Wanda Christine, Perri Gaffney, Peter Macon, Thomasina Petrus, T. Mychael Rambo, Frank Sentwali, Regina Marie Williams and Jevetta Steele. Interviews with Sarah Bellamy, Harvey Blanks, Melvin Carter Jr., James Craven, Talvin Wilks and Professor John Wright are also included.
"A Breath for George" was created by New Dawn Theatre and Minnesota artists as a platform to: honor Mr. Floyd’s life; speak to this moment and moments past openly and honestly; and to share avenues which promote hope and positive changes for the future. A Breath for George gives voices to the ways Black citizens & residents historically have been negatively affected emotionally, physically and financially by systemic racism and nationwide police violence.
“There is value in people knowing that they are not alone in the way that they are feeling right now. There is also value in speaking truth to people who have never heard our stories or ever been in position to hear our stories,” said New Dawn Theatre’s Artistic Director Austene Van.
For more information, go to newdawntheatre.org
PARKS, a portrait of a young artist
June 9, 2020
Streaming Friday, June 12 | Check History Theatre Facebook page for a link.
PARKS creators Harrison David Rivers and Robin Hickman-Winfield of Soul TouchProductions will share their thoughts about a new work commissioned by History Theatre. It tells the story of a young black man's journey to becoming an artist as he endures poverty, racism, and violence during his lifetime. Gordon Parks brought a depth of understanding and humanity to his photographs, films and writing that resonates today. His book "A Choice of Weapons," served as an inspiration for this new work by playwright Harrison David Rivers. Robin Hickman-Winfield, Gordon's great niece, served as consultant to the project.
Robin Hickman-Winfield, Executive Producer at Soul Touch Productions, is the niece of Gordon Parks and keeper of his legacy. She has served as consultant in the development of PARKS. She is the curator of the MMAA's new exhibition, “A Choice of Weapons, Honor and Dignity: The Visions of Gordon Parks and Jamel Shabazz,” which can be viewed online in a virtual museum experience.
Playwright Harrison David Rivers is the winner of the 2018 Relentless Award for his play the bandaged place (New York Stage & Film). His play A Crack in the Sky premiered at History Theatre in 2018. He has received awards from the McKnight and Jerome Foundation among many others. Harrison was the 2016 Playwright-in-Residence at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Harrison is an alum of the Public Theater's Emerging Writers' Group, Interstate 73, NAMT and The Lincoln Center Directors' Lab. He is a NYTW Usual Suspect and a member of the Playwrights' Center Board of Directors.
- Read an excerpt from "A Choice of Weapons" (Chapter Four): THE HARDER times became, the more determined I was to stay in school. The shelter from the cold was perhaps, a considerable motive, and I loathed the bone-chilling and lonely weekends. Read more
- Visit MMAA's exhibition: A Choice of Weapons Honor and Dignity - The visions of Gordon Parks and Jamel Shabazz. Click here.
History Theatre postpones "Sweet Land, the musical"
June 5, 2020
Out of respect to our Twin Cities community in the wake of George Floyd’s death, streaming of Sweet Land, the musical, originally scheduled for a June 12 release will be postponed until the fall.