With the goal of revolutionizing access to theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre announced today the launch of Radical Hospitality, which will offer no-cost admission to all mainstage productions for all audience members beginning with the upcoming 2011-12 season. An expansion of the company's egalitarian mission, Radical Hospitality erases economic barriers in pursuit of building a truly inclusive, global audience. Whether a long-time attendee, a new immigrant living in the theatre's Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, a person with low income or disabilities, or someone who has never been to a play, he or she will be admitted free of charge to Mixed Blood.
In announcing plans for Radical Hospitality, Mixed Blood Artistic Director Jack Reuler said, "At Mixed Blood, who sits in the seats and stands in the lobby with you is as important as what is on stage. We have long juggled ‘who' sees the shows with ‘how many' see the show. Radical Hospitality allows us to balance this equation. In unprecedented ways, we are walking our talk with this season that showcases our inclusive mission and predictably unpredictable style."
Reuler continued, "By revolutionizing access, we are challenging the traditional notions of cost, quality and value. Offering shows of the highest professional standards for no cost optimizes value."
Mixed Blood's season begins September 16 with the shockingly subversive and wickedly hilarious NEIGHBORS by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Called "a play that is moving and funny and energetic and uncomfortable in the best way" by LAist, the take-no-prisoners comedy offers a scathing exploration of race relations in America. Nataki Garrett will direct.
Following NEIGHBORS is Center of Margins, a festival exploring the complex world of disability through three disparate but complementary plays, on stage November 11-27. The festival includes Cori Thomas' MY SECRET LANGUAGE OF WISHES, with Jevetta Steele and directed by Marion McClinton. Sparked by an adoption debate over an African American teen with cerebral palsy, the play delves into the meaning of love without boundaries. Also in the festival, Jack Reuler will direct Ken LaZebnik's ON THE SPECTRUM, a world premiere Mixed Blood commission questioning whether autism is a disability or a difference; and a third play (title to be announced), featuring deaf actress Alexandria Wailes, will showcase "shadow signing."
Another world premiere opens at Mixed Blood on February 10, 2012. In Josh Tobiessen's CRASHING THE PARTY, acclaimed actor Sally Wingert plays the matriarch of a multi-generational family. As hardworking parents lavish their children with material things and leave them with nothing to work for, Crashing the Party dissects how aspirations can both inspire and derail futures. Sarah Rasmussen directs the show.
The final show of the season is LEARN TO BE LATINA by comic playwright Enrique Urueta, opening April 20, 2012. The politics of ethnic and sexual identity take center stage in this winner of the national Great Gay Play Contest. Mercilessly off-color, the show offers a riotous take on cultural appropriation - and what makes a pop culture star. Mark Valdez directs.
All performances are in the Alan Page Auditorium of Mixed Blood's historic firehouse theatre at 1501 S. 4th St., Minneapolis. There will be two ways to see a Mixed Blood performance: 1) First come, first served admission: Audience members register online or in the lobby in advance of a performance (recommended 30 minutes) for no-cost admission on a first come, first served basis; 2) Guaranteed admission: Audience members who want to guarantee entry can do so for a fee paid in advance online, either for a single performance or a season pass. Theater seating remains open (no assigned seats).
Information is available at 612-338-6131 or online at www.mixedblood.com. Season passes are available now; online registration and guaranteed single admission reservations will begin in August.
