Combustible Company

Theater that ignites

Combustible Company productions have a point of view. We find new ways to tell stories. As artists our quest has been to break apart the story from the mode of storytelling. It can then coalesce into something new for the audience: a shared experience with mythological resonance. We explore the voice as a gesture of totally embodied emotion with the power to transform words. We seek to make words live as action, emotion and metaphor – sparking imagination and inviting connection. 

We understand the many needs that require charitable giving at this time. And we thank you for making the arts and independent theater a priority. Regardless of how much you're able to give, we thank you and will strive to live up to your expectations. Here's what's next…

Because the world doesn’t change without a spark

Your donation will help bring Waking Miss Daisy to the stage. Alfred Uhry's play is reimagined from the chauffeur Hoke’s point of view. Conceived by James Craven, written by James Craven and Kym Longhi, and developed with the ensemble. Coming in March 2026, these photos are from the workshop. The full cast will be announced soon.

 

With insightful vision of James Craven and the signature physical direction of Kym Longhi, this immersive multi-media staging brings to life the world of Atlanta, Georgia in the mid 20th century. Uhry's play was inspired by the actual experiences of his family and their interactions with their Black driver, Willie Coleman. The play has enjoyed enormous success, but it fails to tell the complete story. 

Written from a white man's perspective, it’s at best a misguided and naive understanding of the complicated dynamics of race relations. At worst, it erases the experience of its black character. Miss Daisy calls Hoke her friend, but can they be friends if she fails to see his life for what it really is? Waking Miss Daisy reminds us that racism affects all of us, with a performance you’ll never forget.

 

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, 
thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

This project was made possible with the support of the Imagine Fund Annual Faculty Research Grants
through the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota.