Frank Theatre's Fetal plays through 11/19/23 at the Ivy Building South Minneapolis. Photography by Tony Nelson.
After more than three years, Frank Theatre has made a brilliant return to Twin Cities theater with the world premiere of Trista Baldwin's new play, FETAL. I've always been a fan of Frank Theatre's audacious and socially relevant theater. Their comeback (after three challenging years) exemplifies why ongoing support for small local theater companies is crucial. Theater serves as a communal space for us to collectively explore significant issues and narratives. I walked away from the show grateful for the reminder that we are not alone during difficult social challenges. Tickets are very limited for these mostly sold-out performances.
FETAL unfolds in a Texas abortion clinic on the day Roe v. Wade was overturned by the United States Supreme Court. The intimate theater immersed me in the very realistic set (by Rick Polenek) and I felt like I was in a doctor's waiting room with the actors. Baldwin's script weaves the stories of Lucy (Carolyn Pool), a corporate mother; Cass (Julia Valen), a graduate student exploring her sexuality; Liv (Elena Yazzie), a conflicted teenage girl; and Anne (Kate Beahen), a clinic worker. As the Dobbs decision looms, their choices are scrutinized, revealing the complexity of their decisions to terminate pregnancies.
FETAL unfolds in a Texas abortion clinic on the day Roe v. Wade was overturned by the United States Supreme Court. The intimate theater immersed me in the very realistic set (by Rick Polenek) and I felt like I was in a doctor's waiting room with the actors. Baldwin's script weaves the stories of Lucy (Carolyn Pool), a corporate mother; Cass (Julia Valen), a graduate student exploring her sexuality; Liv (Elena Yazzie), a conflicted teenage girl; and Anne (Kate Beahen), a clinic worker. As the Dobbs decision looms, their choices are scrutinized, revealing the complexity of their decisions to terminate pregnancies.
Twin Cities arts and creativity blog by Kendra Plant.
"FETAL" by Trista Baldwin plays in South Minneapolis through November 19, 2023.
Playwright Trista Baldwin, a former resident of the Twin Cities and now based in Seattle, describes FETAL as a love song to the body and a howl for freedom amid diminishing reproductive rights. The play delves into overlooked childbirth risks as Anne's story emerges, adding depth.
The climax reveals the court's decision, erasing the notion of choice. Baldwin's storytelling guides a collective realization—the only choice left is for the women to unite in adversity.
Baldwin, a Jerome Fellowships recipient, McKnight Advancement Grant awardee has a distinguished career. FETAL serves as a poignant commentary on reproductive freedom, shedding light on the complexities of women's choices. Learn more at tristabaldwin.com.
Frank Theatre's next show hasn't been announced yet, but it will be at the Gremlin Theatre in January of 2024. Get your tickets early -- before they have another sell out!
The climax reveals the court's decision, erasing the notion of choice. Baldwin's storytelling guides a collective realization—the only choice left is for the women to unite in adversity.
Baldwin, a Jerome Fellowships recipient, McKnight Advancement Grant awardee has a distinguished career. FETAL serves as a poignant commentary on reproductive freedom, shedding light on the complexities of women's choices. Learn more at tristabaldwin.com.
Frank Theatre's next show hasn't been announced yet, but it will be at the Gremlin Theatre in January of 2024. Get your tickets early -- before they have another sell out!
Ticket Information for Frank Theatre's FETAL
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Ticket cost: $30
$25 for students with valid student ID $25 for seniors 62+ and low income patrons Limited space! Many performances selling out or close to selling out. Check their ticketing site for more info. Remaining performances: Thursday, November 16th 20237:30 PM Friday, November 17th 20237:30 PM Saturday, November 18th 20237:30 PM Sunday, November 19th 20232:00 PM *Masks Required for all performances |
Artistic Team
Directed by Wendy Knox Scenery by Rick Polenek Costumes by Kathy Kohl Lighting by Tony Stoeri Sound by Dan Dukich Stage management by Spencer Putney Cast Kate Beahen Carolyn Pool Julia Valen Elena Yazzie |
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Frank Theatre
Ivy Building for the Arts
2637 27th Ave S #208
​Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA
Ivy Building for the Arts
2637 27th Ave S #208
​Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA
Frank Theatre celebrates their return from a three year "intermission" with their classic hot dog theme.
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Here's a diorama of the set for "FETAL."
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