The Commonweal Theatre Company in Lanesboro, Minn., kicked off its 15th annual Henrik Ibsen Festival last weekend with "Pillars of Society," featuring a world premiere new adaptation by Minnesota playwright Jeffrey Hatcher. The Commonweal employs an actor/administrator model: resident actors and apprentices combine to cover all jobs associated with presenting the production and running the theater.
There were several events associated with the Norwegian-based festival, including folk music, food, lectures, sales of Scandinavian merchandise and even a day-long playing of a lawn game called "kubb."
The Commonweal has gained national and international recognition as the only theater company in North America to stage an annual Ibsen play.
In my video, Hatcher and members of the Commonweal Theatre talk about Ibsen, this year's festival, and its significance in the community.