I don’t think we’ve ever had that many phone calls wanting us to bring something back. We love the show and knew the audiences loved the show.”

Co-Artistic Director Darcey Engen

To buy tickets, visit sodhousetheater.org/table-2023 

Those looking for a unique theater experience while dining on delicious, local food should mark Sept. 20 on their calendars when Sod House Theater presents “TABLE” at a local farm.  

Sod House Theater is a Minnesota-based nonprofit dedicated to combining community collaboration, relationships and theater arts to move people’s hearts and minds on issues that matter.  

“We know firsthand the power of story and live theater to surface emotional truths that lead to deeper understanding of our shared humanity and our collective power to make a difference,” their website states.  

Co-Artistic Director Darcey Engen said “TABLE” is a culinary event, to be held at Artspace River Lofts (121 Tyler St.,Hastings) that features delicious local food and great entertainment. Attendees will be served by a troupe of all female caterers who are also the performers, singers and dancers.  

“In between serving the courses, we find out more about each character,” Engen said. “Sort of like a dinner theater, there is no separation between audience and performers. There is a lot of talking between actresses and tables and it turns a little bit poignant. It’s a beautiful piece and we’re really proud of it.” 

The theater performed “TABLE” in 2022 across rural Minnesota. Engen said they received requests from location hosts to bring it back.  

“I don’t think we’ve ever had that many phone calls wanting us to bring something back,” Engen said. “We love the show and knew the audiences loved the show.” 

The show’s message is open to interpretation, but Engen said the end of Covid made people realize how important it is to have fellowship, laughter and a meal together.  

“It has really been powerful to see people sitting around a table together,” Engen said.  

Sod House Theater traditionally performs its pieces in rural Minnesota but has expanded into western Wisconsin. Locations for performances are chosen in various ways. It often involved cold calling or networking.  

“Sometimes we find an area that we haven’t been to and just want to go to,” Engen said. “We’ve never performed in Hastings.” 

This particular performance encourages people to think about having a relationship with a local farmer rather than always getting food from a grocery store.  

“We work with lots of different communities,” Engen said. “Sometimes we connect with a business person, a chamber of commerce, etc. We always have a main community partner. In this case, it’s the farm.” 

Engen said the theater stimulates the local economy because performers stay in hotels when needed and visit local businesses. The goal is to bring back the inclusion of paid local performers in shows, along with the professional actors, which has been a moving target since Covid. Prior to the pandemic, each cast included at least half local actors who would attend workshops beforehand and rehearse with the troupe.  

“We love meeting wonderful local artists and watching the two groups come together and create some magic,” Engen said. “Since Covid, we haven’t been able to navigate that particular model.” 

Sod House Theater is funded by ticket sales, grants, fundraisers and donations. The shows are family-friendly and geared toward bringing artistic experiences to small towns.  

To learn more, visit sodhousetheater.org To buy tickets, visit sodhousetheater.org/table-2023