July 20-22: Strongman’s Ghost by Jeffrey Hatcher
In this staged reading, the General is under a lot of pressure. His mistress just left him, a coup to overthrow him is being plotted by his closest aides, the country is about to be invaded, and he has to finish the final book of his multi-volume epic novel. Time to kidnap a writer who can do it for him. A perceptive and relevant narrative into the world of mishandled power,
July 27-29: Pink Unicorn by Elise Forier Edie
In this one-woman performance showcasing the talents of Ivey Award-winning Kate Guentzel, a Christian widow must choose sides in her conservative Texas town, after her teenage daughter announces she is “gender queer” and starting a chapter of the Gay and Straight Alliance at the local high school.
Fresh Ink, Illusion Theater’s annual summer series, gives space for artists to develop their creative pieces and try their works-in-progress in front of audiences. For two weekends in July, emerging and established artists explore new ground with a different play on stage each weekend. Now in its 30th year, Fresh Ink has presented more than 120 plays with many going on to become full-length productions. All performances are held Illusion’s 8th floor theater in the Cowles Center for Dance & The Performing Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave. in downtown Minneapolis. All tickets are Pay-What- You-Want and can be purchased at the Illusion Box Office at 612-339- 4944, online at www.illusiontheater.org or at the door.