Map of My Kingdom

Land disputes can ruin a family, or at least harm a good relationship. Passing down land or one’s estate is a complex and serious matter that should not be taken lightly. It is a difficult decision for one to make and can be emotionally exhausting as well. “Map of My Kingdom”, written by the Poet Laureate of Iowa, Mary Swander, explores these issues in a way to promote dialogue among family members and others. The play is a one-person, one act play exploring the issues of the family farm being sold, or deciding who gets the farm. Stories told included selling the farm to prevent conflict, murdering siblings to get the farm, or convincing parents that you should get the farm for illegitimate reasons and creating sour relationships in their path. The play used Shakespeare and religious texts to reinforce the ideas discussed. Following the play there was a talkback with Mary Swander where she explained how the play related to her own life when her grandmother sold the farm. Following the talkback, a panel consisting of a reverend, a lawyer, and banker convened to field questions from the audience. Many questions were personal in nature or clarifying such as what is the difference between a will and a trust. The panel did a fantastic job, and the audience seemed to take well to the play, and the attendance was astonishing considering it was the first consecutive warm, dry day in a long time. The stage was also set up perfectly for the first performance in 40+ years at the Garden City Community Center.