| Policy experts will discuss the American dream and the Minnesota Opera's Grapes of Wrath on January 31 
Art and policy intersect as the Minnesota
Opera and the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs convene a public policy
conversation inspired by the Minnesota Opera's upcoming production of The
Grapes of Wrath at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, in Cowles Auditorium.
The program is free and open to the public but registration is encouraged by
calling (612) 333-6669.
In “Whose America is It? A Policy Discussion on Economic Migration and
the American Dream,” panelists will explore The Grapes of Wrath's themes
of searching for work, human dignity, and the American dream through contemporary
issues of immigration and economic migration.
Moderated by opera commentator Robert Marx, the panel includes Humphrey Institute
Professor Ann Markusen;
Peter Rachleff,
labor historian and professor at Macalester College; community advocate Jesse
Bethke Gomez, president of Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES);
and opera librettist Michael Korie. Musical selections will be presented by
composer Ricky Ian Gordon and cast members of The Grapes of Wrath.
The Minnesota Opera presents the world premiere of The Grapes of Wrath
February 10-18 at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. Based on the classic
American novel by John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath traces the Joad
family's journey from the ruin of their Oklahoma farm to the false promise of
a better life in California. Call (612) 333-6669 for tickets.
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