HOME / 2023-24 SEASON / HELLS CANYON

photo by rich ryan

WHERE FEARS COME ALIVE

Cue the horror music: We're headed to a cabin in the woods. Five friends have arranged a weekend trip in Eastern Oregon. One is pregnant, two are married, and two have a decision to make. When old grudges and new betrayals simmer to the surface, will the mysterious force trying to break in consume them all? Don’t miss this horror- and comedy-filled world premiere written by Mu Tang Clan alum Keiko Green.

“The play recalls the films of Jordan Peele, especially Get Out. … Director Katie Bradley gives us moments of true terror and comedy, intertwined with intimate moments that feel deeply grounded.” —MPR

“Brilliantly cast with an incredible design that pulls off some real scares.” —Cherry & Spoon

“[Keiko] Green’s script is excellent.” —The Stages of MN

“I’m so honored to have seen it! I laughed and got chills and teared up. It manages to do all the things I want from storytelling, and in one package!” —Audience Member

Want to see the show for free? Volunteer as an usher.

Content notes: This horror play contains depictions of physical violence, pregnancy- and birth-related moments of horror and grief, and adult language. It also has references to racism/White supremacy and sexual abuse. The show also contains atmospheric haze, gunshots, and loud, abrupt sounds. Recommended for ages 16 and up. For more detailed descriptions, please refer to this document.

GENERAL INFORMATION

DATES

Feb 24 - Mar 17, 2024 (previews Feb 22 & 23)

• Feb 25: post-show playwright talkback

• Mar 3 & 10: post-show actor talkback

• Feb 24, Mar 2, Mar 9, & Mar 16: captions at evening shows

• Feb 25, Mar 3, Mar 10, and Mar 17: masks required

• Mar 1: ASL interpretation

• Mar 16 at 2 pm: audio description available

All performances take place at the Jungle Theater in Minneapolis.

TICKETS

We strive to voice the stories of the Asian American community, and in order to bring performances to those communities whose stories they tell, we are committed to making them as accessible as possible. PAY AS YOU ARE pricing asks those who routinely pay market value for theater tickets to choose to pay that amount; it is the actual fair market value of the ticket. If an audience member needs to pay less, they can choose to pay less—as little as $10 per ticket.

Seating is general admission.

VENUE INFORMATION

Hells Canyon will take place at the Jungle Theater, located at 2951 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Paid and free street parking is available, as well as paid parking lots such as the one behind the theater/along Garfield Avenue. The Jungle is also along the Metro Transit bus routes 4, 21, 53, and 113. You can learn more at the Jungle Theater website.

EXPLORE MORE

Learn about the real 1887 Hells Canyon Massacre that is at the heart of this play. Read now.

Get to know the Hells Canyon cast as they talk about why they connect with their characters, what the rehearsal process has been like, and more. Read now.

FEATURED PRESS

The Narrative on KRSM Radio spoke with director Katie Bradley and actor Gregory Yang about the intersectionality, spirituality, and hauntings found in Hells Canyon. Listen now.

The Sahan Journal chatted with playwright Keiko Green and director Katie Bradley about what sparked the play and what it’s like bringing it to life. Read now.

MPR’s Art Hounds talked with community member Tri Vo about why he’s excited for Theater Mu’s return to the horror genre. Read now.

The Hmong Times gives the scoop on what the play is about, with quotes from playwright Keiko Green and Mu artistic director Lily Tung Crystal. Read now.

MEET THE CAST

Understudies: Ben Bailey (Doug), Elizabeth Efteland (Claire), Ashely Horiuchi (Ariel), Josh Kwon (Tommy), Troy Lowry, Jr. (Ben)

PHOTOS

MEET THE PLAYWRIGHT

KEIKO GREEN (she/her) is a playwright, screenwriter, and performer based in LA and Seattle. She is a Core Company Member at ACT, the 2023 Resident Playwright at Chance Theatre, and previously part of Seattle Rep’s Writers Group and Theater Mu’s Mu Tang Clan. Productions include: Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play (Old Globe), Sharon (Cygnet Theatre), Hometown Boy (Actors Express/Seattle Public Theater), and Nadeshiko (Sound Theatre Company). Other plays have been developed/produced by the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference, the Old Globe, the Kennedy Center, the National New Play Network, Playwrights Realm, Ensemble Studio Theatre, and Atlantic Theatre Company. She currently holds commissions from MTC/Sloan Foundation, the Old Globe, and Seattle Shakespeare Company, and she wrote on Hulu’s upcoming Interior Chinatown. As an actor, she has performed at theaters nationwide and originated the role of Connie in Lauren Yee’s The Great Leap at the Denver Center and Seattle Rep. BFA: NYU drama - experimental theatre wing, MFA: UCSD playwriting. | @keikothegreen on Instagram

Meet the Director

Katie Bradley (she/her) is delighted to return to Mu as a director two years after making her mainstage directorial debut with Theater Mu’s Man of God. Previously, she has assistant directed at the Guthrie Theater (Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner) under the tutelage of Tim Bond, and Theater Mu (peerless) with Lily Tung Crystal. She has also directed a variety of play workshops and readings throughout the Twin Cities. Most of her professional career has been spent on the “other side of the table,” as an actor. She has appeared in several theaters around the country including the Guthrie Theater, Ten Thousand Things, Children’s Theatre Company, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Pacific Conservatory Theatre, and Wallis Annenberg Center in Los Angeles. She has also performed in numerous productions at Theater Mu. 

LEAD CREATIVE & PRODUCTION

*appearing through an agreement between Theater Mu and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States