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 well-meaning but misguided 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 endearing 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 new comedy examines the myriad facets of contemporary Native life with humor and joy.

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.

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.

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Ticket prices

Ticket prices range from $29 to $82.

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Group sales 

All student and adult groups of 15 or more qualify for discounts on tickets to Guthrie productions. Group Sales is available Tuesday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 612.225.6244 or 1.877.225.6211 (toll-free) or send an email

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Accessibility

ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open-captioned performances are available on select dates.

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Age recommendation

All ages are welcome to attend performances of For the People. Tickets for children 4 and under are available for $5.

Run time

Approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes (no intermission).

Content advisory

This production contains loud noises, strobe lights, haze, fog, smudging, occasional mature language and a depiction of violence.

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.

Post-play discussions are supported by Frederickson & Byron. 

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Digital program

Want to dig deeper? Check out the digital program and play guide.

In the news

For the People Day

During closing weekend, we were joined by special guest Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, who delivered a proclamation that recognized For the People as an important contribution to the legacy of Minnesota. In the presence of the audience, the company, Native elders and the Guthrie’s Native Advisory Council, she declared November 12, 2023, as For the People Day in Minnesota.

Read the Proclamation

MinnPost

“Set in a newly built community center sometime in the future, [For the People] centers around a task force of Native folks based along Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis, which in real life has a long history of being a hub for urban Native communities, businesses and organizations.

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Artful Living

“A must-see comedy just debuted at the Guthrie Theater that’s truly for the people ... The play’s impressive Indigenous ensemble — including local talents as well as notable names like Wes Studi (the only Native actor to receive an Oscar) — will have audiences laughing, crying and rethinking what it means to call someplace home.”

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American Theatre

“Larissa FastHorse and Ty Defoe have worked together on many projects, including some at the Guthrie (2017’s Water Is Sacred, 2019’s From the Drum), and as co-founders of the arts consulting firm Indigenous Direction. On For the People, they are bringing barrels of giddiness to the play, a comedy about a 20-something fighting for grant money to create a wellness center for the Twin Cities’ Indigenous community.”

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Artists

Cast

Ernest Briggs

Levi Mitchell

Sheri Foster Blake

Daisy Childs

Kendall Kent

Esme Williams

Kalani Queypo

Robert Dakota

Katie Anvil Rich

April Dakota

Wes Studi

Herb O'Geezhik

Nathaniel TwoBears

Sage Piewannakwat

Adrienne Zimiga-January

Commissioner Bobbie Grey

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Creative

Ty Defoe

Playwright

Larissa FastHorse

Playwright

Michael John Garcés

Director

Tanya Orellana

Scenic Designer

Lux Haac

Costume Designer

Emma Deane

Lighting Designer

Victor Zupanc

Sound Designer

Carla Steen

Resident Dramaturg

Keely Wolter

Vocal Coach

Aaron Preusse

Fight Director

Lori Lundquist

Stage Manager

Anna Baranski

Assistant Stage Manager

Talon B. Ducheneaux

Indigenous Music Consultant

Jennifer Liestman

Resident Casting Director

Sara J. Pillatzki-Warzeha

Assistant Director/Dakota Language Consultant

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Photos

Nathaniel TwoBears, Adrienne Zimiga-January and Kalani Queypo (Jaida Grey Eagle)

Adrienne Zimiga-January, Sheri Foster Blake, Wes Studi, Ernest Briggs and Katie Anvil Rich (Jaida Grey Eagle)

Katie Anvil Rich (Jaida Grey Eagle)

Kendall Kent and Katie Anvil Rich (Jaida Grey Eagle)

Kalani Queypo and Katie Anvil Rich (Jaida Grey Eagle)

Nathaniel TwoBears, Katie Anvil Rich and Wes Studi (Jaida Grey Eagle)

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