Walt Whitman’s American Dream

Saturday, September 19, 2026, 6 p.m.

A stage reading of a powerful 90-minute ensemble play written by Sarah Maraniss Vander Schaaff, with eight actors, that illuminates the life and times of America’s poet, weaving literature, history, journalism, philosophy, and politics through a story that raises issues as resonant today as they were in Whitman’s time. A reception will precede the event starting at 5 p.m. in the Union’s Main Lounge.

Moderator: Sarah Maraniss Vander Schaaff

Location: Play Circle, Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St.

Tickets: Free online registration at captimesideafest.com/

Other Sessions

Gallery Exhibition Opening & Welcome by Center for Black Excellence and Culture co-founder Lilada Gee

Life and politics viewed through the lenses of three prominent and revolutionary Black, female photographers and leaders.

Greentree, the ties that bind

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photojournalist Angela Peterson presents her O’Brien Fellowship project, focusing on gaining the trust of underserved communities and sharing the richness of their stories. Moderated by Enjoyia

Empowering Black storytellers

Polly Irungu, a former White House photographer and photo editor, will discuss her career and how she founded the Black Women Photographers network to give Black and African women artists representation and to dismantle