Folktopia is an intergenerational & all ability band of musicians - composers, instrumentalists & vocalists, dancers, actors, designers, painters & mischief makers, who seek to create an artistic experience for all generations, abilities and beings to feel welcome through the transformative power of stories and the universal language of music and dance. Folktopia’s work is rooted in improvisation and together we improvise and create full-length folk opera productions, pop-up performances, activations, installations, and inclusive participatory art events inspired by folktales.
Folktopia Collaborative Artists:
Maria Genné, Cris Anderson, Elinor Anderson-Genné, Tom Johnson, Morgen Chang, Sol Moran, Tamara Ober, Vladimir Garrido-Biagetti, Megan Flød Johnson, Nor Hall, Sean Hansberry, Tom Johnson, Nikki Lemire, Kathryn Gonzalez, James Orione, Nico Muñoz.
Partners:
Struthers Parkinson Center (Golden Vally, MN), American Swedish Institute (Minneapolis, MN), Developmental Achievement Center of Bemidji and Northern Cass County, MN, Martin Luther Senior Campus, Bloomington Parks and Rec., Creekside Community Center.
Photo Description: Performers Genné in red, Sean Hansberry in Blue with a football helmet, Vladimir Garrido-Biagetti in Blue with a guitar, performing as Norse Gods and Goddesses outside of the American Swedish Institute.
Parker Genné and her intergenerational Folktopia Band Present: Silver Hands, part 1, filmed live on the grounds of American Swedish Institute (ASI), Oct. 21, 2020, & is best viewed with captions on. Program notes in the YouTube description.
Silver Hands asks us how do we learn to make wise choices? Can the witches, wizards and wise ones of the woods teach us not to fear the unknown? Josephine is faced with the question “How am I in the world and what stories do I hold?”
Join Parker Genné and her Intergenerational Folktopia band for the release of their new work/concept album: Silver Hands, Part 1, recorded live at American Swedish Institute, and shared with 2 online performances on October 30, followed by a discussion with the audience and artistic team.
See more here!
“Tatterhood,” directed by Emilia Allen, is drawn from Norse mythology. Tatterhood (Parker Genné) is a dirty hussy who rides a goat and carries around a wooden spoon. When a royal seeks to marry her, she agrees, but only on her own terms...
For this year’s Minnesota Fringe Festival, we focused on the true newbs. These are artists who are dipping their toes in for the first time, who haven’t achieved the press and PR savvy that comes with experience, or who are simply too young and too green to have made a name for themselves...