Guthrie Hosts Special Events for Premiere 'The Home Place'

The Guthrie announces a series of special events surrounding the American premiere of Brian Friel's The Home Place, directed by Joe Dowling and playing on the McGuire Proscenium Stage through November 25.

Most prominently, the Guthrie will offer two opportunities to hear Dowling speak about Irish history and the Irish identity, as seen through the historical perspective of The Home Place:

Pre-Play Discussion – Sunday, September 23 at 5PM
Prior to the evening's 7PM preview performance, Dowling offers background on The Home Place, Irish history and his friendship with the famed Irish playwright. This free event gives audiences an opportunity to begin exploring this rich and complex piece, and learn about the political, social and psychological underpinnings of a time of profound change in Irish life.

In Conversation: Joe Dowling – Monday, November 19 at 7:30PM
Dowling, who has frequently directed Friel's plays in both Ireland and America, spends the evening discussing Irish history, offering a vivid picture of the society that frames The Home Place, and the gripping confrontations that occur as the characters face their burning personal dilemmas. Having first worked with Friel in 1977, during his tenure as Artistic Director of Dublin's Abbey Theatre, Dowling has directed other Friel works, including: Aristocrats, Living Quarters (Abbey Theatre, Dublin – world premieres), Dancing at Lughnasa (Gate Theatre, Dublin), Philadelphia, Here I Come! (Roundabout Theatre, New York; Guthrie Theater) and Molly Sweeney (Guthrie Theater).

In addition to these two nights, the Guthrie will also host additional classes and discussions surrounding the American premiere of Friel's latest play:

Post-Play Discussion – following performances on October 2, 7, 13 (matinee) and 14
You've seen the show, now really get the conversation going. These popular discussions involve the actors, giving you the chance to ask questions and find out more about their work on this American premiere.

Inside Look Workshop – Saturday, October 6 and November 10 at 9:30AM
Take a deeper look into designer Frank Hallinan Flood's stunning set and the period costumes by Monica Frawley, both of which help bring Friel's work to life. These 2-hour long workshops are a valuable way to learn how the Guthrie's artists and staff build a production from early development and designs to rehearsals, costume fittings and staging of the play.

Page to Stage – four sessions beginning Monday, October 22 from 10AM-12noon
Meet experts from all areas of the theater to discuss how The Home Place progressed from the design through rehearsals to end up on stage. The Guthrie Learning Center welcomes guest speakers who illuminate the world behind the curtain and reveal the amazing energy that is funneled into bringing the American premiere to life.

The Home Place runs through November 25 on the McGuire Proscenium Stage.  Tickets for the American premiere of Brian Friel's The Home Place are priced from $24 to $69 and are now on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612-377-2224, toll-free 877-44-STAGE and online at www.guthrietheater.org. The Guthrie is located at 818 South 2nd Street (at Chicago Avenue), in downtown Minneapolis.