For the People
by TY DEFOE and LARISSA FASTHORSE
directed by MICHAEL JOHN GARCÉS
McGuire Proscenium Stage
A world premiere comedy by Native voices
April Dakota has big dreams of opening a wellness center on Franklin Avenue to serve the Indigenous community in her Minneapolis hometown. She’s counting on a grant from the Franklin Avenue Task Force — a group of well-meaning Native elders and leaders — to make it happen. But her presentation goes sideways and her proposal is rejected, forcing her to make a decision that puts her dream, the community and her culture at risk. Thankfully, the Task Force pulls together to help April fight for the future of Franklin Avenue and the people who call it home. Created in partnership with the local Indigenous community, this Guthrie-commissioned comedy examines the myriad facets of contemporary Native life with humor and joy.
Community Photo Call
Born from the Twin Cities Native community, For the People is set at various locations and businesses on Franklin Avenue, including Pow Wow Grounds, Ancient Traders Market Plaza and more. This Minneapolis neighborhood is the heart and soul of the local Indigenous community, many of whom have called this Native land home for generations.
What does Franklin Avenue mean to you? We invite you to share your photos and stories with us, and they may be featured in the For the People play program.
Venue info
This production will take place on the McGuire Proscenium Stage.
Pro tip: Can't do stairs or have a special seating request? Call the Box Office for details.
Ticket prices
Ticket prices range from $29 to $82.
| Area 1A | Area 1 | Area 2 | Area 3 | Area 4 | |
| Previews | $65 | $54 | $41 | $33 | $29 |
| Tues and Wed at 7:30 p.m.; Wed at 1 p.m. | $70 | $59 | $46 | $38 | $34 |
| Thu at 7:30 p.m.; Sun at 7 p.m. | $73 | $62 | $49 | $41 | $37 |
| Fri at 7:30 p.m.; Sat and Sun at 1 p.m. | $77 | $66 | $53 | $45 | $41 |
| Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Opening Night | $82 | $71 | $58 | $50 | $46 |
Group sales
All student and adult groups of 15 or more qualify for discounts on tickets to Guthrie productions.
Age recommendation
All ages are welcome to attend performances of For the People. More details coming soon.
Run time
Approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes (no intermission).
Post-play discussions
Join us after select performances for a 20-minute conversation facilitated by Guthrie staff. Cast members may join the discussion as they are able.
Join us after select performances for a 20-minute conversation facilitated by Guthrie staff. Cast members may join the discussion as they are able.
Sunday, October 15 at 1 p.m.
Facilitator: Cody Kour, Artistic Administrative Assistant
Tuesday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Carla Steen, Resident Dramaturg
Sunday, October 22 at 1 p.m.
Facilitator: Emily Essert, Director of Institutional Partnerships
Saturday, October 28 at 1 p.m.
Facilitator: Amanda White, Director of Community Engagement
Saturday, November 11 at 1 p.m.
Facilitator: Blossom Johnson, Community Engagement Associate
Free rides courtesy of MetroTransit
MetroTransit will provide free transportation to the Opening Night performance of For the People on October 13 at 7:30 p.m. and BIPOC Community Night on October 20 at 5:30 p.m. Click the dates listed above to download your free pass.
First Timer’s Guide
If you’re new to the Guthrie, we can’t wait to welcome you. From transit and parking to what to wear, here are some helpful tips to ensure your debut visit is a great one.
Accessibility
ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open-captioned performances are available on select dates.
For the People
McGuire Proscenium
Accessibility
BIPOC Community Night: Stories From Franklin Avenue
Friday, October 20 at 5:30 p.m.
BIPOC professionals and community members are invited to an evening of sharing and reflection at the Guthrie Theater. Led by Native storytellers Trish Cook, Juanita Espinosa and Roya Taylor, this event will uplift, inspire and educate while celebrating the history and culture of Franklin Avenue.
Tickets start at $20. Pre-show bites and admission to the 7:30 p.m. performance of For the People are included with your ticket.
Schedule
5:30 p.m. Mingling and bites, Level Nine
6:00 p.m. “Stories from Franklin Avenue” with Trish Cook, Juanita Espinosa and Roya Taylor
6:45 p.m. Mingling and bites, Level Nine
7:30 p.m. For the People, McGuire Proscenium Stage
Native Pop-Up Markets
Saturday, October 21 from 2–7 p.m.
Saturday, November 4 from 2–7 p.m.
All are welcome to shop a curated collection of jewelry, prints, photography and crafts designed by Native artists and creators from the Twin Cities community. This event is free and open to all.
Relaxed performance
The Guthrie will offer a relaxed performance of For the People on Sunday, November 5 at 1 p.m. Although these performances are open to all patrons, they are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater.
In Rehearsal
Photo: Ty Defoe and Larissa FastHorse (Joshua Cummins)
Photo: Wes Studi (Joshua Cummins)
Photo: Ty Defoe (Joshua Cummins)
Photo: Wes Studi, Katie Anvil Rich, Ernest Briggs, Kalani Queypo, Nathaniel TwoBears and Adrienne Zimiga-January (Joshua Cummins)
Photo: Ty Defoe, Ernest Briggs, Adrienne Zimiga-January, Wes Studi, Katie Anvil Rich, Sheri Foster Blake and Nathaniel TwoBears (Joshua Cummins)
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A benefit concert featuring the Indigo Girls
For the People
McGuire Proscenium