To the editor:

Last weekend I had the great fortune to attend the Lake Benton Opera House production of “RENT.” I want to applaud the entire cast, crew, and production team for making the choice to bring this powerful piece of theater to our area. RENT told an important story at the time it came out, and I was struck again with the powerful storytelling put forward by this production.

Producing RENT in this current political, economic, and social context placed unapologetic value on the story and themes. We can tell stories through art that are sometimes hard to hear or listen to in other contexts. As a queer person in southwest Minnesota, I can honestly say I never expected to get to see RENT produced live here. I’m so happy to be surprised with the thoughtful production.

Much love to everyone involved with the production. I encourage everyone to support art and artists who speak out against oppression.

As Jonathan Larson wrote, “In these dangerous times, where it seems that the world is ripping apart at the seams, we all can learn how to survive from those who stare death squarely in the face every day and [we] should reach out to each other and bond as a community, rather than hide from the terrors of life at the end of the millennium.”

Julie Walker

Marshall