City Pages: The decade in theater: New leaders, #MeToo, and more POC visibility defined the ’10s

By Jay Gabler

18 December 2019

This decade saw a sea change in the leadership of local theaters, with new artistic directors taking the helm at the Guthrie, Penumbra, the Jungle, Theater Mu, Park Square, Ten Thousand Things, and elsewhere. The shift is generational, but it’s also marked a fundamental shift in focus as Twin Cities theaters recognize the need to tell stories that much more authentically and extensively reflect the diversity of their communities.

“I have been thrilled to see women and [people of color] assuming leadership roles in our theater community,” says actor and director Austene Van. “These changes have allowed audiences to see images and artists of various cultures that are not frequently seen on our stages. These changes have allowed our audiences to experience relatable stories through diverse lenses.”

Sun Mee Chomet agrees. “It has been wonderful to see diversity celebrated on stages throughout the Twin Cities. As an Asian American actor, there have been many doors that have opened at theaters like the Jungle and the Guthrie that did not feel as wide open 10 years ago for actors of color.” What’s more, Chomet adds, “I’ve also seen much more opportunity for directors, designers, and technicians that are people of color, women, and non-binary-identifying folks.”

Read the full article in City Pages.