A Minnesota Fringe Remount (ESFL Fundraiser)
Missed them in August, or want to see them again? Two Minnesota Fringe 2026 shows — Witness Loudly and Minnesota is the Shire, or Fair & Back Again trace the winter of 2026 when neighbors stood up for each other. Coming to East Side Freedom Library for one weekend only, both shows tell stories from Operation Metro Surged directly from our streets. These generous presenters are donating all event proceeds to East Side Freedom Library.
Witness Loudly
Operation Metro Surge pitted armed ICE agents against the residents of Minnesota. Kyle B. Dekker recreates a live rapid response call on stage based on his own experiences as a constitutional observer.
Audience member say:
“My vote for the theater that we need, and also the Neighbor that we need in this world.”
“Kyle Dekker’s latest piece, Witness Loudly, taps into a visceral and ongoing collective experience with grace and urgency, and creates a space for his audience to grieve alongside him in the wake of the federal invasion and occupation of Minneapolis known as Operation Metro Surge. A former Marine, Dekker tells the story through footage of ICE that he took while on rapid response calls this past January… Everyone should see this show. It is our existential imperative to remember what those in power are capable of, and the power that we have to fight back. May we continue to tell the tales of the heroes of our time.”
Minnesota is the Shire, or Fair & Back Again
A storytelling show about my love for MN + Tolkien’s Legendarium; exploring his concepts of Estel & Eucatastrophe, similarities btw Minnesota & the Shire, & how we kinda just lived through the Scouring of it….
Audience members say:
“This show was GREAT! Even for someone who doesn’t know much about Lord of the Rings! I learned much, laughed, cried, and felt very seen and honored at the same time. Documenting the invasion is very important, and Sean did a wonderful job telling not only his story but the story of a community.”
“I think I would call this a multi-media storytelling piece. Seán McArdle’s style is humorous, low key, and somewhat self-deprecating. The show is moving. We came away with a renewed pride in Minnesota and a deep appreciation for Seán’s passion and dedication to social justice. Go see this one.”
Performance Dates & Times
Fri, Nov 6: 7:00 pm Witness Loudly · 8:30 pm Minnesota is the Shire
Sat, Nov 7: 5:30 pm Witness Loudly · 7:00 pm Minnesota is the Shire
Sun, Nov 8: 5:30 pm Witness Loudly · 7:00 pm Minnesota is the Shire’
Tickets: pick what works for you
$50, Pay It Forward: covers your seat plus a neighbor’s.
$25, Standard Ticket: our suggested donation, and the best way to keep the library’s doors open.
$0, All Access: no one is turned away. Come as you are.