Civic Theatre to host immigration panel at Grand Rapids Public Library

When Grand Rapids Civic Theatre placed "Ragtime the Musical" on its 2016-2017 season line-up they wanted to celebrate the meaning behind the Musical. They wanted to showcase the search for the American Dream by interviewing area immigrants in West Michigan. Fast forward to the political climate of our country today, and the relevance of this idea has even more of an impact. As an arts organization, Civic Theatre tells stories that encourage conversation in our community. On February 9, 2017, Civic Theatre premiered the telling of six stories told by West Michigan Immigrant families.

To keep our community engaged, Civic Theatre has partnered with the Grand Rapids Public Library and area experts to engage in community conversation on immigration during this important time in American history.

"Ragtime" is told through the eyes of an African American Harlem musician, a white upper class suburbanite, and an Eastern European family of immigrants all hoping to find a place in American at the turn of the 20th Century. Just as relevant a topic now as then, panelist will lead the audience in a discussion on these themes in a modern context.  Speakers will share historical insights and present day experiences.

Panelists include:

Ricardo Tavarez, Pastor at En Vivo Church

Susan Kragt, Executive Director at West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center

Kristine Van Noord, Program Manager at Bethany Christian Services’ Refugee Adult & Family Programs

Kelsey Herbert, Office of Social Justice at Christian Reformed Church of North America

Irina Nadrau, Grand Rapids Public Library

The event takes place from 7-8 p.m., February 15, 2017 at the Grand Rapids Public Library. The event is free and attendees will receive a discount to Civic Theatre’s production of "Ragtime the Musical" (on stage February 24-March 19, 2017).