So Minnesota: Mixed Blood Theatre

The Twin Cities has had a history of a thriving theater scene.

One Minneapolis theater in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood has promoted social change on stage for nearly 50 years.

Devoted to the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream, at the age of 22, Jack Reuler founded the nonprofit Mixed Blood Theatre in 1976 as a vehicle for artistry, education and social change.

"We created a place where people could pay positive attention, not no attention to difference," Reuler said.

The lobby is named Equity Hall and the theater offers what it calls "radicle hospitality," meaning anyone can see a show for free. After the death of George Floyd, Reuler said theater can help heal and move the country forward.

"Using theater and the arts to infuse itself into social equations that actually helps solve those socials equations will be a big part of where this field moves to," Reuler said.