Theater Mu

Of all the theatres, Theater Mu (note the spelling!) is the most interesting, as Minneapolis isn't the first place you think about when you talk about Asian Americans and theatre (as well, it was one of the hardest to track down, as I found references to at least three different telephone numbers over the past two years). However, the group is actively producing and doing interesting work, as evidenced by a slew of recent productions, such as Mask Dance, River of Dreams, Paper Angels and S.A.M. I Am. Founded by Ric Shiomi (author of the classic Yellow Fever), Theater Mu is in the midst of a very active Asian American arts scene in Minneapolis, which includes the Asian American Renaissance and another Asian American theatre, the Hmong Theatre Project (which will get its own entry when I dig up more info on it).

The Meaning of Mu

The name of the theater comes from the Korean pronunciation of the Chinese ideogram that represents the shaman/warrior/artists who connects heaven and earth through the tree of life. Theatre Mu's logo preserves the texture and tradition of the calligraphic brushstroke, yet invokes movement and modernity.

Outreach Programs

Theater Mu offers on-site performances and workshops for schools, community groups and corporations.

Artist Development

In addition to the shows the theatre puts on, Theater Mu offers a variety of other programs, including:

Acting Workshops

Theater Mu encourages non-experienced actors to join us in our beginners' workshops for an introduction to movement and performance essentials through work with local teachers as well as visiting theater professionals.

Theater Mu offers intensive workshops to advanced actors. Instructors have induded Kari Margolis of the Margolis Brown School and Company, and Marc Hayashi, veteran film and theater actor. Workshops focus on deepening individual craft, physical technique, and ensemble awarenes.

Many Voices Playwriting Roundtable

Co-sponsored by the Playwrights' Center, the Roundtable is a supportive peer environment where Asian American writers oan develop new works. Theater Mu has produced work by Roundtable members in mainstage productions workshops and at the New Eyes Festival.

New Eyes Festival

An annual event featuring staged readings of new works.The Festival is an ideaI environrment for new actors, writers, and directors to develop their craft alongside experienced theater artists.

Other Web Sites on Theater Mu:

Art Town

More on Theater Mu

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