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CULTURE
Appleton, Wisconsin June 2017 Volume XXII
Issue VIII Page 10
This April, the Appleton
North Theatre Department
took a hiatus from flashy
and elaborate sets for a
more intimate and meaning-
ful theatrical experience: its
Spring Production of AF-
GHANISTAN/WISCON-
SIN: A VERBATIM THE-
ATRE PROJECT.
Written by North alum-
nus,
Laurel McKenzie,
AFGHANI STAN/WI S -
CONSIN was born from
interviews with Wiscon-
sin veterans who primar-
ily served during Operation
Enduring Freedom in Af-
ghanistan. It shared stories
of heartbreak and joy, pain
and pride. From the enlist-
ment of these dedicated citi-
zens to their return home,
AFGHANI STAN/WI S -
CONSIN characterizes what
changed within themselves,
as well as what changed
about the country for which
they fought.
AFGHANISTAN/WIS-
CONSIN presented a sin-
cere, honest portrait of what
it means to be a soldier.
Maddy Schilling, North se-
nior, played the role of Air
Force Public Affairs Officer
within AFGHANISTAN/
WISCONSIN.
She ex-
plained how this show was
a completely different ex-
perience from past produc-
tions, “ I learned more from
AFGHANI STAN/WI S -
CONSIN than I have from
any other show I’ve done at
North. Not only did the cast
learn technical information
about the military—how to
march, how to hold a rifle,
basic formations, etc.—but
we learned about the vari-
ous human experiences that
these veterans had.”
One of the aspects of the
show was the enhanced
community understanding of
veterans. This was promi-
nent during a talk back
with local veterans who
agreed to answer some au-
dience questions. Schilling
chimed in, “They were all
so gracious and helpful, and
they were willing to share
pieces of their lives with us
that were so genuine and at
times relatable.”
AFGHANISTAN/WIS-
CONSINwas not only finan-
cially successful throughout
its run, raising thousands
of dollars for the Fox Val-
ley Veterans Council, but
it truly taught and engaged
community members in a
rare way. “That’s what was
especially unique about the
show,” said Schilling, “you
learn about these people
that have performed these
incredible acts of bravery
and yet there are certain as-
pects of what they’ve been
feeling that you can connect
to your own life.”
By Rachel Sina
Spring show pays tribute to Wisconsin veterans
Alumnus-written
AFGHANISTAN/
WISCONSIN tackles
theme of war
Cast of AFGHANISTAN/WISCONSIN engages in an audience talk back with the help of
Afghanistan veteran Mike Price.
Photo courtesy of Catherine Mckenzie
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