Shakespeare in the Cornfield: Jane Smiley's: A Thousand Acres and the Midwest Stage

September 23, 2026 - 5:00PM

How does King Lear take on a different meaning when retold on an Iowa farm? This conversation looks at Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres, the lasting legacy of Shakespeare, and intersections between the canonical and the contemporary. 

Faculty Lead: Dr. Alissa Burger, Associate Professor of English, Culver-Stockton College

Community Partner: Canton Public Library

what you'll experience

  • Key themes and historical context
  • Connections to Midwestern identity and culture
  • Perspectives from faculty, scholars, and community voices

How to Participate

This event unfolds in three stages. Start anywhere -- or experience all three!