A quarter century has passed since 1989 when hundreds of men came to International Falls and started a riot at a housing camp for non-union construction workers. The riot peaked after months of resentment between Boise Cascade, which was constructing one of North America’s largest paper mills, and the trade union workers who had hoped to build it. When Boise hired the non-union Atlanta firm BE&K as general contractor for the half-billion dollar project, an ugly struggle broke out and made history.
Now, 25 years later, “The Mill,” written by International Falls native Jeannine Coulombe, will cause viewers to reflect on those events once again. The play, which explores labor unions, corporate power, immigration, and the state of the American Dream, comes to the Backus stage 7 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1.
The play, produced by Workhaus Collective of Minneapolis, focuses not on reciting dry historical events but rather tells the story through one fictional family that is pulled into the conflict, according to a release. Taking some dramatic license with the event timeline, Coulombe sets the play in International Falls in June 1989 during a week-long heat wave when a company is at odds with its unions, workers are fighting to save their livelihoods and one family is swept into the powder keg.
Workhaus Collective, theater-in-residence at the Playwrights’ Center in Minneapolis, first produced the play in April 2012 to sold-out audiences. It was voted one of the best plays of 2012 by both City Pages and Lavender Magazine. Ward Merrill, Backus executive director and his wife Linda were there on opening night.
“Having experienced this play that evening and spoken with Jeannine, I was determined to bring the play to International Falls,” Merrill said.
Months later and after countless hours of work, the release said an Arts Tour Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board will “bring the play to the town that inspired it.” The grant process is highly competitive with Backus vying for funding with groups such as the Guthrie Theatre, The Ordway, MN Orchestra and state universities.
“We have been fortunate to have received two consecutive grants which help fund this season’s concerts and will bring five more to the Falls in 2014-15,” Merrill said. “Only 41 of 101 requests were funded this time.”
In further recognition of the 25th anniversary of the 1989 events, Backus will also feature a book signing event with local author Mary Casanova. The new edition of “Riot,” Casanova’s book which tells the story of the riot and burning of the man-camp through the eyes of a sixth-grade student, will be on sale both evenings of the performance. All profits from the book sales will be donated to Backus.
As part of the arts outreach efforts of Backus, the playwright will visit Falls High School classrooms to discuss the play, acting, playwriting and careers in the arts. Complimentary student tickets will be provided to all 6-12 grade students in the Falls, Littlefork and Indus. If parents attend with their student – they may purchase a half-price ticket for $6.
Following each performance Doug Skrief will host an informal audience discussion with the playwright, director and cast members.
Tickets are on sale at Backus, City Drug, Betty’s in Fort Frances and at the door. Admission for adults is $12; student tickets are $6; and families can attend for $25. Backus is fully accessible to persons with disabilities – call the office at 285-7225 for specific accommodations.
