ITAC offers a memory play

ITAC - The Iowa Theatre Artists Company (ITAC) opens the second play of their 2010 Season, Remain True, on June 9. This original production is a newly-adapted historical depiction of the early life in the Amana Colonies, based on the true-life stories of those who lived in the Colony during the communal era from 1855 through 1932. With stories that are captivating, lively, charming and compassionate, this one-hour matinee will be performed on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 1:30 pm from June 9 until August 28.

Remain True is based on an original production, Home On The Iowa, first conceived and adapted by Thomas P. Johnson in 2000. Using the oral histories gathered by the Amana Heritage Society in the 1980’s from many of the surviving communal-era residents of the Amana Colonies, Johnson created a dynamic, insightful and entertaining theatrical production of Amana history. Remain True features a number of stories presented in Home On The Iowa, with additional stories that will be making their first appearance on stage in this newest production. Four actors will give voice to dozens of real-life residents of the early Amanas and their stories of communal life. Meg Merckens (South Amana), Jenna Vik (Woodbury, Minnesota), Ed Moersfelder (Amery, Wisconsin) and Alex Shockley (Algona) have been working together to study the history, listen to the stories and create their own unique telling of this German settlement in eastern Iowa. Together they present the historic journey of the Amana people as they moved from Germany to Ebenezer, New York and finally to their home in Iowa. The actors’ have received invaluable assistance from the Amana Heritage Society and also from Amana residents, Marietta Moershel, Peter Hoehnle and Emilie Hoppe. “It’s a great way of presenting history in a thoroughly entertaining manner to a wide age range of audience members,” states Meg Merckens, one of the acting ensemble. “Our hope is that it will be a memorable as well as an informative experience for all who attend.”

For ticket information and to reserve seats, call 319-622-3222 or email: itac@southslope.net. All tickets are $10.