The death of a daughter. An unlikely friendship between an American man and an Afghan refugee. So goes the story of Heartland, a timely and provocative play by Gabriel Jason Dean that will be performed live at The Vortex on January 26th.
Dr. Harold Banks, a retired University of Nebraska professor of Comparative Literature and Afghan Studies, is reeling after his adopted daughter, Getee, is killed by the Taliban while teaching children outside of Kabul. When Afghan refugee Nazrullah arrives at his door carrying Getee's prized books, the two men form an unlikely bond.
Heartland draws a line from the Cold War to the War on Terror and demands that we reckon with the consequences of defending an American Empire. Set in both Maidan Shar, Afghanistan, and Omaha, Nebraska, and inspired by true events, Heartland is a story of healing, grace, and connection.
The play was conceived and written by Gabriel Jason Dean as a direct response to the true story of the U.S. government’s textbook propaganda contributing to the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
The Vortex is committed to producing urgent, unashamed art, and Heartland is Gabriel Jason Dean’s most urgent piece. He excavates stories of race and class at the heart of our fractured country. In Heartland, he focuses on how government choices change the lives and break the hearts of ordinary folk from the fields of Nebraska to the hills of Afghanistan.
Get your tickets now to see Heartland at The Vortex! General admission tickets are available at three different price points and begin at 15 dollars. An ASL interpreter will also be present.
Community interaction is an important part of life, which is why Oxford at Tech Ridge Apartments in Austin, Texas is urging you to join in the all of the excitement at this event! Don’t be shy—plenty of fun awaits in the greater neighborhood beyond our beautiful apartment community.
Event Time/Date:
Saturday, January 26, 2019—8:00 PM
Event Venue Location:
The Vortex
2307 Manor Road
Austin, Texas 78722