Floyd's 

by Lynn Nottage

Originally produced at Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, MN

July 27 to August 25, 2019

About the Premiere Production:

Synopsis: From two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage (Sweat, Ruined) comes a razor sharp, disarmingly vulnerable comedy, a world premiere commissioned by the Guthrie. A rest stop sandwich shop named after its tough-as-nails owner, Floyd’s is more than just a respite for truckers. It’s the first step for its ex-con employees and their last hope for survival. A motley crew of line cooks forms under Zen Master Montrellous to learn the secret art of creating the perfect sandwich, a metaphor for how to rebuild their lives.

Artistic Statement: Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Sweat has such incredible cultural currency in today’s social and political climate. I was able to witness this firsthand when the Guthrie partnered with The Public Theater to bring the play to three communities in Minnesota this month, all accompanied by deeply moving audience engagement workshops. With Floyd’s, I believe that Nottage has written a companion piece that is as brilliant, thrilling, provocative and powerful as Sweat is. We are honored to have commissioned Floyd’s and to be entrusted with its first production, and are deeply indebted to the Edgerton Foundation for its support of this important work.

Grant Statement: The Edgerton Foundation’s support will allow the Guthrie to provide an additional week of rehearsal time, which will be invaluable for this world premiere. Lynn will be in rehearsals, responding in real time to what she sees in the room, and working with the company to ready the premiere. Giving her more time and space in the course of actual rehearsals to develop the text, will make all the difference.

Director: Kate Whoriskey

Set Designer: Laura Jellinek

Lighting Designer: Christopher Akerlind

Costume Designer: Jen Moeller

Sound Designer:John Gromada

Composer: Justin Hicks

Additional funders: Ameriprise