Fefu and Her Friends (Minneapolis)

ABOUT FEFU AND HER FRIENDS Set in a New England country house in the 1930s, the play follows a circle of women whose conversations and confidences reveal both sharp humor and haunting truths. What makes this production unique is its immersive design—audiences will move through the rooms of the mansion in a promenade style, experiencing each scene in the space where it unfolds. More than a play, Fefu and Her Friends becomes a living, breathing event that connects story, place, and audience in a way that can only happen within the walls of the Searle Mansion. WHAT IS A PROMENADE? A Promenade Production means the audience walks through the space as they experience the different parts of the play. Fefu has three short acts: the first and third act take place in the living room, but during the second act the audience is split into four small groups and rotates through individual rooms to witness distinct and simultaneous scenes. Fefu and Her Friends breaks traditional linear theater and also allows the audience to eavesdrop on the characters and piece together the narrative for themselves. This staging of Fefu and Her Friends is designed specifically for the architecture and atmosphere of the Searle Mansion. As audiences travel from room to room, they encounter the play’s characters in close proximity, creating a theatrical experience that is immediate, personal, and impossible to replicate in a traditional theater. The result is a deeply immersive evening where story, space, and audience interact in real time. Theatre Pro Rata’s production celebrates the collaborative spirit of Fornés’ work while inviting audiences to experience one of the most influential plays of the 20th century in a way that feels fresh, intimate, and alive. Accessibility options are available for several performances: An ASL-interpreted and Audio-Described performance will take place on May 18. Pay What You Can tickets will also be offered on Tuesday, May 12 and Monday, May 18. Mobility Access performances will be held on May 11 and May 18: For accessibility-oriented performances, audiences/patrons will have access to the mansion through the elevator in the adjacent church: St Paul's Church on Lake of the Isles and be able to watch professionally shot video feeds of the two neighboring scenes in Act 2 that take place in the Study and the Patio. Accessibility Ushers are available upon request for any performance to assist with seating and navigation in the mansion. Requests for accessibility services must be made at least one week in advance. Please email info@theatreprorata.org for questions or to reserve accessibility options.