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Site-Specific Staging of ‘Peer Gynt’ Breaks Rules, Boundaries

Production is first-ever collaboration between Augsburg, University of Minnesota

A ground-breaking production of Henrik Ibsen’s “Peer Gynt” will take theater goers on a fantastic voyage that includes oversized birds and trolls, original music and simultaneous scenes, all while attendees and performers travel a quarter-mile portion of the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

The play, a 1.5-hour production condensed from Robert Bly’s 3-hour script of 2008, represents a first-time collaboration between theater departments at Augsburg and the University of Minnesota. It’s also probably a first for site-specific theater of this scale for theatergoers in the Twin Cities. “Peer Gynt” will be performed seven times from April 10-13. Continue reading “Site-Specific Staging of ‘Peer Gynt’ Breaks Rules, Boundaries”

Provost Kaivola talks to Star Tribune about first winter

Minneapolis Star TribuneAugsburg College Provost Karen Kaivola spoke with Star Tribune reporter Bill McAuliffe about the experiences of her first winter in Minnesota. Kaivola, who joined the College last summer after decades in Florida and spoke with McAuliffe for his story on the start of meteorological spring, said her first winter was “beyond the realm of her imagination” and that she is looking forward to spring, whatever that might mean. Certainly, Kaivola deserves kudos for surviving a winter that has nearly broken even native Minnesotans. Read the story on the Star Tribune website.

Joseph Erickson talks to Pioneer Press about teachers contract

PioneerPressThe St. Paul Pioneer Press spoke with Joseph Erickson, professor of education and former member of the Minneapolis school board, for perspective on the recent contract talks between the St. Paul Public Schools and the St. Paul Federation of Teachers. Erickson told reporter Mila Koumpilova that the agreement, which averted a strike, represents a “creative mix of contract changes, addendums to the contract and board resolutions.” Read the full story on the Pioneer Press website.

Joe Erickson featured on KSTP 5

Joe Erickson, professor of education, was featured in a story about the impact of school cancellations due to weather on the learning of K-12 students. Erickson said “time on task” is key in student learning and that since schools have closed a total of five days, it may be beneficial for the state to push back standardized tests.