ACRES UNEARTHED

ACRES UNEARTHED SERIES

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Inspired by the world premiere of A Thousand Acres, artists, scholars, and authors have created a series of events exploring the themes and connections presented by Jane Smiley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Themes such as family, patriarchy, the passing of land through generations and the strength and fragility of the ties that bind us together provide fertile ground for exploration. This series of photographic exhibits, discussions, plays, book clubs, and site-specific events feature opportunities to preview the new opera and to connect live performance and literature with the Iowa landscape.

The Sea Beneath Our Feet

October 23, Moberg Gallery July 2022, Polk County Heritage Gallery

Photographer Amee Ellis’ work explores stories embodied in the landscape. The title of this exhibit is drawn from the novel and reflects the text and characters from A Thousand Acres to explore our relationship to the land around us. The Sea Beneath Our Feet is in exhibition at the Polk County Heritage Gallery as well as on the upper level of the Blank Performing Arts Center lobby throughout the summer.

DSM Book Festival

March 26, Capital Square

DMMO connected with Des Moines area bibliophiles and led an erasure poetry workshop in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of A Thousand Acres’ Pulitzer Prize win at this annual community event.

Library Sneak Peeks

May 21, Franklin Library June 4, Central Library

In a series of two public previews in partnership with the Des Moines Public Library, attendees heard presentations about the creation of A Thousand Acres from Michael Egel and Stage Director Kristine McIntyre as well as a sneak peek at selections from the opera from members of the 50th Anniversary company. Community resources around the themes presented in the opera were also available.

The Land in Transition: Hills and Valleys

May 22, Whiterock Conservancy

Whiterock Conservancy is a 5,500-acre non-profit land trust that balances sustainable agriculture, conservation and public recreation on the landscape. It was the perfect natural backdrop for an exploration of the subject of land transition and its many outcomes. Programming featured Beth Hoffman, author of the book Bet the Farm, Mary Swander’s one-woman play Map of My Kingdom, a performance of “River House on the Prairie” by hornist Annie Chapman Brewer as well as selections from A Thousand Acres.