What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1442943
of her influence is that in the previous iteration of the play, we didn't mention the Trail of Tears, and now we present that historical moment in order to preserve and remember. In other parts of the play, we are using authentic Indigenous words for historical accuracy." Still, Suel promises the thousands of Arkansas schoolchildren would recognize the play they have enjoyed so much over the years. The storyline is that three Works Progress Administration workers are headed to Little Rock on a train to meet President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Suel explains. "All of the artifacts that they have packed away in the train car for their presentation get jostled around and become disorganized. Throughout the course of the play, the WPA workers re-organize their artifacts and while doing so become different historical figures from the state of Arkansas. By putting on a costume piece or a hat, they become the historical figure that originally wore that item, thereby refreshing their knowledge of the history of Arkansas and inviting the audience to help them get ready for their presentation. They are literally digging up the state's history while prepping for their meeting with the president." Actress Jules Taylor has been "Digging Up Arkansas" since the beginning and returns this year for the performances at the Walton Arts Center. "Although it is primarily performed for elementary school children, it is fascinating for adults, too, and I can guarantee you will learn something about your state that you never knew," she promises. "Also, there are many areas in our state that may not have opportunity to see much performance, so it's exciting to bring it to them. Performance is magical, it's alchemical. There is an exchange of energy between audience and performer that is completely unique. This connection, along with the music, the kinesthetic movement and audience participation are what help the audience remember not only the experience, but the material. "This state is rich in history, and there are all kinds of wonderful, interesting people who were Arkansans," she adds, but also, she points out, the play proves that "arts integration works." "The arts are a vital and important teaching tool. There are many studies that prove that using the arts to teach any subject has a high success rate," Taylor says. Sallie Zazal, director of learning and engagement at WAC, agrees. "In short, 'Digging Up Arkansas' is a perfect example of WAC's education mission," she says. "It was requested by third- to fifth-grade teachers to help them teach Arkansas history standards. It meets many of those standards and does so in a meaningful way. "It was created by and continues to use local artists, and is relevant to every corner of our state and serves every county. "In addition to providing educational content, it demonstrates Walton Arts Center's primary form of teacher professional development: arts integration. 'Digging Up Arkansas' helps them think, plan, create and share, aligning with finding from studies that show students remember information better, do better on tests and can better demonstrate what they know when they experience the arts and learn through the practice of arts integration." www.malco.com www.malco.com www.malco.com www.malco.com www.malco.com 6 WHAT'S UP! JANUARY 16-22, 2022 Digging Continued From Page 5 FAYETTEVILLE Justine Ryan (from left), Jaddy Ciucci and Jules Taylor make up the cast of this year's production of "Digging Up Arkansas." The collaboration between Trike Theatre and the Walton Arts Center will bring hundreds of school children to WAC to see the show as part of the Colgate Classroom Series, but there are also public performances scheduled Jan. 22. (Courtesy Photo)