Fringe review: ‘Starved’ is crisply written, must-see theater

Mary Divine, Pioneer Press
·1 min read

Must see

Longtime newspaper reporter Richard Chin learned about the University of Minnesota starvation experiment when he was assigned to write a story for the Pioneer Press in 2014 to mark its 70th anniversary.

The groundbreaking study, conducted by U of M physiologist Ancel Keys, involved three-dozen men who volunteered during World War II to starve themselves for science and humanity. The men – conscientious objectors who opposed being drafted into the military – were subjected to “semi-starvation” in laboratory conditions so researchers could learn how to best feed starving people in newly liberated occupied and war-torn countries.

Chin, now a reporter for the Star Tribune, penned a harrowing historical drama in “Starved: The Astonishing True Story of the University of Minnesota Starvation Experiment.” The writing is crisp and thoughtful, and the acting is top notch. Directed by Pat O’Brien and Larry Ripp.

Presented at Augsburg Mainstage at 7 p.m. Thursday; 5:30 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Sunday.

Still unsure of what to see? Check out all our Fringe reviews here.

The Minnesota Fringe Festival turns 30 this year, presenting 101 hourlong stage acts from Aug. 3-13 at theaters throughout Minneapolis. Pioneer Press reporters will post their reviews online daily at TwinCities.com/tag/fringe-festival. Visit MinnesotaFringe.org for ticket and show information.

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