*Atlas of Mud* play returns to Iowa, Viking Theatre at Grand View University, May 14-16, 7:30 p.m.

TheatreMidwest, a professional theatre company, returns to its artistic home--The Viking Theatre at Grand View University in Des Moines, IA--where it will present Jennifer Fawcett’s stirring play, *Apples In Winter*, on May 14-16, 2026. In 2019, The Viking Theatre played host to the award-winning production of *The Friendly Hour*, which was TheatreMidwest’s inaugural project. *Apples in Winter* had its World Premiere at Riverside Theatre in Iowa City in 2018. The confluence of this play and this company is a ‘must-see’ for Iowa and Midwestern patrons. Miriam is making an apple pie. Several years ago, Miriam’s son, Robert, committed a horrible crime and has been sitting on death row ever since. As is the tradition, in the waning hours before the end comes, Robert is granted a last meal. This is a play about monsters and the mothers of monsters. And about how we care for each other. And about how to make a really good apple pie. Leavened with equal parts gentle ironies, baking tips, deep complexities of a dysfunctional family, and hard questions about crime and punishment in our time, this play illuminates a unique and often untold vantage point on social and criminal justice. This tour-de-force undertaking for one actor has been captivating wide ranging audiences at its several stops around the Midwest. TheatreMidwest presents this project as part of a major Season 6 tour, with stops in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and now Iowa. The project provides accessible theatre-going opportunities by bringing the work to these communities, and by maintaining the company’s commitment to Radical Hospitality—the removal of barriers (especially financial) that discourage people from going to the theatre. The production features Nadine Purvis Schmidt, a Professional Actor and Professor of Theatre at Southwest Minnesota State University, and is directed by Cory Johnson, multi-award-winning director and former Director/Professor of Theatre at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA. Event Basics Apples in Winter by Jennifer Fawcett A touring production by TheatreMidwest. When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, May 14-16, at 7:30pm (CST) Where: Viking Theatre, Grand View University, 2811 East 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50316 Cost: Pay What You Are Able (“regular price” $25.00) Reservations: https://www.theatremidwest.org/apples-in-winter.html An artist/audience conversation will take place following each performance. CONTENT NOTE: While it's well-stocked with gentle and comedic moments about baking, recipes, variations on butter and more, this production also includes discussions about assault, drug addiction, crime, murder, and the death sentence. ## ABOUT THEATREMIDWEST MISSION: Professionals creating works of relevance to the people of the Midwest, with particular attention to the voices of women and other under-represented groups. TheatreMidwest strives to: • Produce theatrical events of the highest quality. • Connect with MidWestern communities with pertinent stories and storytelling. • Lift up the voices, thoughts, artistry, and dreams of women and other under-represented groups that speak to the MidWestern experience. • Reduce barriers that prevent or discourage people from attending live performances. • Sustain a strong cultural presence in our communities. TheatreMidwest is a 501c3 nonprofit arts organization, founded in 2018. Its mission is to create works of relevance to the people of the Midwest, with particular attention to the voices of women and other under-represented groups. ABOUT RADICAL HOSPITALITY Founded on the belief that live theatre should be a whole lot more accessible to a whole lot more people. TheatreMidwest uses “Radical Hospitality” as a guiding principle to reduce barriers that keep the public from seeing live theatre in the following ways: ● Creating free and reduced price ticket opportunities ● Curating plays relevant to Midwestern audiences and ensuring women and under-represented artists have prominent roles and artistic and leadership positions ● Bringing theatre to underserved, diverse, and wide-ranging communities ● Actively reaching out to communities who do not regularly attend performances and inviting them to the theatre.

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Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3602967-0

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