Theatre de la Jeune Lune to close

by Jay Gabler, TC Daily Planet • June 23, 2008 • The Pioneer Press has reported that Minneapolis's Theatre de la Jeune Lune is closing after 30 years of operation. For the past few years the company has endured well-publicized financial struggles as well as conflicts among its creative team. The company recently revamped its strategy, seeking to reduce its costs by mounting fewer productions each year and increase its income by taking those shows on tour. That new strategy, however, seems not to have worked quickly enough. Over the weekend, the company's board of directors voted to cease operations and sell Jeune Lune's performing space, one of the finest and most distinctive in Minnesota, to retire the company's sizable debt. Theatre de la Jeune Lune, known for its experimental productions often based on active collaboration among actors, writers, and directors, has been a landmark of the Twin Cities' theater scene and a beacon to progressive playmakers. Many actors and directors who are now active in the local independent theater scene gained experience at Jeune Lune or were inspired by its daring productions.

Arts Orbit is a multisource blog about the local arts scene, featuring both original contributions by Daily Planet writers and entries reprinted from partner blogs and online publications.

The Daily Planet published reviews of Jeune Lune's two most recent productions: The Deception (November 2007) and Fishtank (February 2008). Today, our blogger Phillip Andrew Bennett Low posted a retrospective appreciation of the company.