Photos: First Look at FEFU AND HER FRIENDS At Theatre Pro Rata

First-look production photos have been released for Theatre Pro Rata’s production of FEFU AND HER FRIENDS by María Irene Fornés. Directed by Carin Bratlie Wethern, the immersive production is currently running through May 28, 2026, at the historic Searle Mansion in Minneapolis.

Originally written in 1977, FEFU AND HER FRIENDS follows a group of women gathering during the 1930s to plan an educational event. As conversations unfold throughout the house, the play explores themes of identity, friendship, gender expectations, and emotional isolation through overlapping scenes and intimate encounters.

For the production, audiences move through different rooms of the Searle Mansion in small groups, experiencing scenes as they unfold throughout the building. The site-specific staging is designed to reflect the play’s exploration of personal and communal space.

The production is part of Celebrando Fornés / Celebrating Fornés, a national initiative led by the Fornés Institute celebrating the playwright’s work through productions, readings, and events across the country.

Jessica Winingham stars as Fefu alongside Brettina Davis as Cindy, Christy Johnson as Christina, Jhax Berryhill as Julia, Gracy Nayman as Emma, Nora Sonneborn as Paula, Nissa Nordland as Sue, and Chesa Greene as Cecilia.

The creative team includes director Carin Bratlie Wethern, stage manager Clara Costello, costume designer Drea Gross, sound designer Jacob M. Davis, AV designer Emmet Kowler, props designer Jenny Moeller, and accessibility advocates Brettina Davis and Trish Waldoch.

An ASL-interpreted and audio-described performance will take place May 18. Pay What You Can performances are scheduled for May 12 and May 18. Mobility-access performances will take place May 11 and May 18.

Photo Credit: Alex Wohlhueter

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