Emilee Pease, executive and development assistant, emileep@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext 1017; or Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager,
rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext 1025
YORK, NEBRASKA - “Vang: a drama about recent immigrant farmers,” a play by Iowa Poet Laureate Mary Swander, will be presented at 3 p.m. on March 10, 2017, at the Best Western Conference Center, 4619 S. Lincoln Ave., York, Neb.
The play is free and open to the public, sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs, a nonprofit based in Lyons, Neb.
“Join us as we watch two actors bring to life eight different recent immigrants’ journeys to the U.S.,” said Tyler Vacha, of the Center for Rural Affairs. “‘Vang’ challenges immigrant farmer stereotypes and opens discussion about how farming is done in the United States and how immigrants have become part of the larger agricultural picture.”
The immigrants come from four continents and adjust to life in America in their own ways. Each grew up on farms and wanted to return to the work they had known in the past.
A discussion following the performance will feature New Americans who have worked with the Center for Rural Affairs in farming or community development.
“Just like the immigrants in ‘Vang,’ many New Americans find solace and livelihood in farming," said Kirstin Bailey, Center for Rural Affairs senior project associate. "We work with driven individuals who farmed or ranched in their native countries. Agriculture is what they know, and they bring their talents and practices to make a living farming in Nebraska."
The Center for Rural Affairs hosts workshops for beginning farmers and ranchers, with select sessions interpreted in Spanish. Workshops assist individuals with accounting, marketing and making sure farming or ranching is right for them.
The play will run an hour, and the discussion is 45 minutes. RSVP for the performance is encouraged and can be done at cfra.org/events.
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