The Way North

by Tira Palmquist

When a lost, cold and very pregnant young woman stumbles on to her rural homestead in the Minnesota wilderness, Freddy Hanson doesn't hesitate to take her in. It's the right thing to do, and as the county's former Sheriff, Freddy has dedicated her life to protecting and serving others. But when her new guest turns out to be a Sudanese refugee making a run for the Canadian border, what it means to protect and...

When a lost, cold and very pregnant young woman stumbles on to her rural homestead in the Minnesota wilderness, Freddy Hanson doesn't hesitate to take her in. It's the right thing to do, and as the county's former Sheriff, Freddy has dedicated her life to protecting and serving others. But when her new guest turns out to be a Sudanese refugee making a run for the Canadian border, what it means to protect and serve becomes a more complicated, and far more dangerous, question.

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The Way North

Recommended by

  • Jennifer Maisel: The Way North by Tira Palmquist
    “

    A hauntingly beautiful lyrical work that explores the conflict between our heads and hearts when doing what's right may actually be against the law. The exploration of mother/daughter relationships just sings. And the way it resonates with issues that are so prevalent today makes this a work that should be all over next season.

    A hauntingly beautiful lyrical work that explores the conflict between our heads and hearts when doing what's right may actually be against the law. The exploration of mother/daughter relationships just sings. And the way it resonates with issues that are so prevalent today makes this a work that should be all over next season.

    ”
  • Jenny Connell Davis: The Way North by Tira Palmquist
    “

    I've been hearing a lot of folks say they're feeling burned out on "issue plays" right now, and have sometimes felt some of that myself...but then you stumble upon a play like THE WAY NORTH, which is so full of nuance and humanity and good storytelling AND a "true north" of a moral code on a complicated topic...what more can you ask for? What else is drama supposed to be, but something that asks us to re-examine something and see its true complexity? Gorgeous play.

    I've been hearing a lot of folks say they're feeling burned out on "issue plays" right now, and have sometimes felt some of that myself...but then you stumble upon a play like THE WAY NORTH, which is so full of nuance and humanity and good storytelling AND a "true north" of a moral code on a complicated topic...what more can you ask for? What else is drama supposed to be, but something that asks us to re-examine something and see its true complexity? Gorgeous play.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: The Way North by Tira Palmquist
    “

    A powerful look at an urgent crisis and the call to care for humanity. Well done.

    A powerful look at an urgent crisis and the call to care for humanity. Well done.

    ”
View all 20 recommendations
Freddy Hanson Black woman, mid 50s. Formerly the sheriff in a northern Minnesota county.
Now self-employed as an outdoor adventure guide and outfitter.

Agnes Kuur Black woman, mid 20s. Sudanese refugee.

Alex Hanson Black woman (or mixed race), early 30s. Freddy's daughter.
Lives in Minneapolis, MN. An accountant.

Dan Williams White man, mid 40s. Sheriff in a northern Minnesota county.
Formerly Freddy's subordinate.



Development History

  • Reading, the Phoenix Theatre, 2019
  • Reading, Red Mountain Theatre Company, 2019
  • Reading, Seven Devils Playwrights Conference, 2018
  • Reading, Capital Rep's NEXT ACT! New Play Summit, 2018
  • Reading, Capital Rep's NEXT ACT! New Play Summit, 2018

Awards