One constant of teaching is that students will learn more if they’re interested in the subject. I discovered the accuracy of that tenet when I taught a class in theater during the 1996-97 school year in Luverne. The core of the class was writing a full-length play as a sequel to "Tongues of Stone," a historical drama that I penned in 1979 about our Blue Mounds' ancestors. The class project was a success, I believe, because the students involved were lured by the opportunity to create something original in a world they enjoyed, namely the theater.The setting of the play is Rock County from 1912 to 1939. The students did research for the play through interviews, readings and studying the economics and sociology of the time. They took field trips to Maplewood Cemetery, Hinkly House, etc.Make no mistake that the heroes of this effort were the 14 students who contributed: Kristen Altoff, Trista Boyenga, Molly Burns, Nic Ceynowa, Matt Cohrs, Machelle Cook, Elissa Cox, Mandy Curl, Ryan Hemme, Shawn Kinsinger, Jenn Top, Derek Walgrave, Suzie Walgrave and Kate Winkels.The class titled the play, "Elizabeth," after the central character. Here "Liz," 18, and her sweetheart, "Jon," 21, are discussing the world-wide flu epidemic of 1918: LIZ: My father said the town is thinking of banning all public gatherings. Closing schools and the churches — like for funerals — and the bowling and pool halls!JON: And the Palace?LIZ: Probably! You know I heard almost 5,000 people a week are dying in New York City from this! It's called influenza. JON: My parents must really be frightened because they've never said anything about it to me. LIZ: Some people say that all the kids in school could be getting it.JON: Do you think maybe it's because you all drink from the same barrel of water?LIZ: But we've been doing that for years! I think it's in the stars or something. Did you hear about the twins who burned to death in their home recently? People dying of TB. scarlet fever. No, I think the world is getting awfully strange. And that war in Europe! THIS REALLY GETS JON'S ATTENTION.JON: Well, at least they're dying for a cause. We can't just let Germany and the Central Powers dictate their beliefs on the rest of the world. I think —LIZ: I thought you were a poet. I didn't know you were so interested in the war!JON: You better believe I am! Poets can defend their country, too! My father says that if we don't stop Germany now they'll be coming here to take over.LIZ: Here? In Rock County?JON: Right here. My father says that there are actual Germans living in Luverne who want to destroy our way of life! He says —LIZ: My mother is German.JON, CAUGHT OFF-GUARD: Well, your mother... ah ... I know, but ... I'm not talking about all Germans. But the local Loyalists say they're looking for a guy who belongs to the Nonpartisan League. Those people are not real Americans. No, Liz. After our country lost 124 people when they sunk the Lusitania three years ago, we've had an obligation to defend ourselves. (PAUSE) And I've been thinking that I — (PAUSE) — Well, I've been wondering —LIZ: What, Jon? What? THEN SHE REALIZES. Oh, no! You're not thinking of —JON, AFTER A MOMENT OF SILENCE: Maybe.(To be continued)
