Vasa Lisa: A Reimagined Russian Fairy Tale Comes to the Twin Cities
The American Russian Center is delighted to share an exciting cultural event in the Twin Cities: Vasa Lisa, a powerful new theater production presented by Metro State University Theater in collaboration with Ten Thousand Things, one of the region’s most innovative and respected theater companies.
A Classic Story, Reimagined
Rooted in the beloved Russian fairy tale Vasilisa the Beautiful, Vasa Lisa offers a fresh and deeply human interpretation of this timeless story. Written by acclaimed Twin Cities playwright Kira Obolensky and directed by Kimberly Richardson, the production invites audiences into a journey that is both magical and introspective.
At the heart of the story is a young girl who ventures into a mysterious forest, guided only by a small wooden doll. What she encounters there becomes a transformative experience – one that speaks to courage, intuition, and the universal search for identity. This reimagining blends elements of folklore with contemporary emotional depth, making it accessible and meaningful for today’s audiences.
What makes this production particularly special is its performance style. Ten Thousand Things is known for its unique, actor-centered approach: minimal sets, shared space between actors and audience, and a focus on storytelling at its most essential level. In Vasa Lisa, this creates an immersive experience where the boundary between performer and viewer dissolves.
Audiences are not just spectators—they are part of the story.
This production marks a significant partnership between Metro State University Theater and Ten Thousand Things. For Metro State students, it offers a rare opportunity to work alongside professional artists and engage with a nationally recognized theater model. For the community, it represents a shared commitment to accessible, inclusive, and impactful storytelling.
As Jonathan Beller, Associate Professor of Theater at Metro State, notes, this collaboration reflects a belief that “theater belongs everywhere and to everyone.”
Event Details
Vasa Lisa will be performed at multiple locations across the Twin Cities:
- Metro State University, Saint Paul Campus
Student Center, Room 101
April 10 & 11, 7:30 p.m.
April 17 & 18, 7:30 p.m. - Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Minneapolis
April 12, 2:30 p.m. - Whitney Fine Arts Theater, Minneapolis
April 16, 7:30 p.m.
Admission is free, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For those interested in Russian culture, storytelling traditions, and contemporary interpretations of folklore, Vasa Lisa offers a unique opportunity to engage with a familiar narrative in a new and compelling way. It also resonates strongly with themes of identity, resilience, and personal transformation, topics that are central to many of our community conversations.
