Arnold, age 91, taking the stage on opening night. Photo provided by Babo Works.
The world premiere of "Leaving St. Paul" took place Friday at the U of M's Rarig Thrust stage as a part of the 2015 Minnesota Fringe Festival. Writer Barbara Teed was in attendance with the guest of honor: her father Arnold Weigel, who the play is based on. Barbara is proud to bring this story to the stage, "As the playwright I wanted my Dad to be recognized for trying to make a difference in integrating Twin Cities suburban neighborhoods. [ . . . ] Arnold risked everything to do what he believed in. I don't know many people who would do that."
The show is inspired by the true story of Arnold working in Twin Cities real estate during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Barbara was a teenager at the time and she witnessed her father helping to integrate white suburban neighborhoods by selling houses to people of color.
Barbara and her family faced serious consequences for her dad's public stand. Three years ago, while she was earning her Master of Liberal Arts at Hamline University, Barbara turned this historical and personal story about her life into her thesis. "I was the victim of much racial bullying as a young teen as the result of my father's stand. Writing and producing 'Leaving St. Paul' has been healing for me," states Barbara. For the 2015 Fringe Festival this production was then adapted for the stage and directed by Meredith Larson, who is an active director and actor in the Twin Cities community. Barbara's daughter, Lindsay Teed, plays Barbara in the play.
The show is inspired by the true story of Arnold working in Twin Cities real estate during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Barbara was a teenager at the time and she witnessed her father helping to integrate white suburban neighborhoods by selling houses to people of color.
Barbara and her family faced serious consequences for her dad's public stand. Three years ago, while she was earning her Master of Liberal Arts at Hamline University, Barbara turned this historical and personal story about her life into her thesis. "I was the victim of much racial bullying as a young teen as the result of my father's stand. Writing and producing 'Leaving St. Paul' has been healing for me," states Barbara. For the 2015 Fringe Festival this production was then adapted for the stage and directed by Meredith Larson, who is an active director and actor in the Twin Cities community. Barbara's daughter, Lindsay Teed, plays Barbara in the play.
"Leaving St. Paul" plays through Sunday, August 9 as part of the Minnesota Fringe Festival. In collaboration with Babo Works.
"Leaving St. Paul" has received recognition from Minnesota media including the Star Tribune and Minnesota Public Radio. The performance was also featured by Theatre Unbound as the "Top Twenty best bets for great theater by women." And audience reviewers on the Fringe site have called the performance "eye-opening" and "impactful."
Inspired by a true story. www.baboworks.com
Posted by Leaving St. Paul on Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Ticket Information for "Leaving St. Paul"
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Tue, 8/4 @ 8:30pm
Sat, 8/8 @ 10:00pm Sun, 8/9 @ 7:00pm Tickets: $14 plus $4 admission button; kids' tickets (12 and under) are $5 and don't require a button; discounts and multi-show passes available. Tickets at fringefestival.org and at the box office 30 minutes before a performance. Appropriate for ages 16 and up. No late seating. All Fringe shows run 60 minutes or less. |
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