In the morning we ventured back to Radcliffe from Okoboji. We got back and had some free time before we headed to Garden City to help set up for the performance of “Map of My Kingdom” that was put on for friends of the Neubauers. The one-woman play was written by Professor Mary Swander who is the Poet Laureate of Iowa. It was performed by Lindsay Bauer. The play was commissioned by Practical Farmers of Iowa (a group that we visited earlier in the Maymester). She writes about the struggles that families face over land ownership and the regrets and mistakes it leads to. It was a good show; I have no idea how one woman can remember so many lines.

Immediately following the play there was a Talk Back with the Poet Laureate. She discussed that the play was based off of people that she knew, including her grandmother. She encouraged people to take steps to be prepared for passing down the land. She answered questions from the audience and then talked a little about how common it is for families never to discuss their parents will. It is an awkward and upsetting thing to bring up. After a short break we closed with a panel siscussion with The Rev. Dr. Matthew Rueger, Mr. Ron Pepples, Esq., and Mr. Chris Brinkmeyer from Central State Bank. The panel consisted of a reverend, a lawyer, and a banker. They each gave a small introduction and then answered questions. The panel was selected based on which professionals deal with these issues the most. The lawyer got the most questions, and I think this was a good thing because it meant that people are thinking about their own situations.  

I found that this play is relatable even if you are not from a farming family. After the death of a loved one, there is so much to take care of and it can be very complicated and create a lot of dispute if there is no planning.