Spreading "The word":
the Dana College Theater troupe tour of 1942
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In May and June 1942, students from Dana College and Trinity Seminary in Nebraska went on a tour to 12 Midwestern Danish American communities in six states performing The Word, a Danish-language play about faith and miracles written by the controversial, outspoken Danish playwright Kaj Munk. This is an online exhibit about that tour, presented by the Danish American Archive & Library.
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The exhibit offers insights into Danish American student life during the early 1940s, Dana College and Danish America during WWII, Kaj Munk's The Word and the impact of his assassination by the Nazis, and Danish American communities in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Dakota. Some of the cities, towns and villages that the students visited in 1942 still retain traces – or even pockets – of Danish American history and culture.
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The Dana students perform Kaj Munk's play "The Word," which takes place in rural Denmark and depicts the deep conflict between two branches of Lutheran churches in Denmark. The characters' faiths and beliefs are put to the ultimate test when one of the characters dies – and is resurrected.
"The Word" tour program. The students performed in 12 locations across six states.
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Ticket to the performance.
Backstage: Getting ready for a performance, a woman puts makeup on one of the male actors.
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The performance of The Word is part of the effort to care for and continue our rich heritage and keep the Danish language alive. ... We who have Viking blood in our veins should, not least at this time when Mother Denmark is in chains, show an interest in the land of our fathers and for Nordic culture. |
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Dana College's The Word tour program, 1942.
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