Portraits of the Prairie

PORTRAITS OF THE PRAIRIE, written by Iowa Poet Laureate Mary Swander, is a series of tableaus showing the history of the land from native prairie through early settlers and small farms, through large agriculture, and back to reconstructed prairie. They’re presented through the eyes of Pierre, a wacky painter and his friend, a sassy Iowa squirrel. Pierre, a masked character, is played by Monica Leo, and all of the prairie creatures are performed by children or adults in your community in a three tier set that resembles a Grant Wood painting. Live music by Ron Hillis.

 

Curriculum Connections:

• Prairie history
• Ecology
• Art history
• Art
• Music
• Drama

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