Campus activities at the Wisconsin Book Festival, Sept. 29–Oct. 3

In its ninth year, the Wisconsin Book Festival has something for everyone during five days of panels, workshops and performances by local and nationally recognized authors. This year’s theme, “Beliefs,” reflects a multiplicity of perspectives that add vibrancy to the life of a community.

UW–Madison plays a large role, from hosting campus events to spotlighting books published by the UW Press. Among the many related activities:

Wednesday, Sept. 29

Jerry Apps, professor emeritus of continuing and vocational education, joins author Donald Lystra at Quivey’s Grove, 6261 Nesbitt Rd., from 5:30–6:30 p.m. The location was chosen because the barn appears in Apps’ “Barns of Wisconsin.” Apps will present a selection of his books, including “Cranberry Red” and “The Travels of Increase Joseph,” which chronicle the joys and challenges of farm life with his trademark blend of gentle humor, drama and storytelling.

Thursday, Sept. 30

John W. Hall, Ambrose-Hesseltine Assistant Professor of U.S. Military History, speaks at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St., from 7:30–9 p.m. In “Uncommon Defense: Indian Allies in the Black Hawk War,” Hall revisits views about the Black Hawk War of 1832, often viewed as a decisive victory by U.S. military forces, resulting in the seizure of Native American lands for white settlers. He revises that view by examining the military’s native allies in the conflict, namely, the Dakota, Ho Chunk, Menominee, and Potawatomi, who saw the conflict as an opportunity to inflict harm on their traditional enemy, the Sauk.

Friday, Oct. 1, and Saturday, Oct. 2

Richard Davis, professor of bass, joins UW’s First Wave Hip-Hop Theater Ensemble at the Wisconsin Historical Society Auditorium on Library Mall from 7–8:30 p.m. The group presents “I am Mary Lou,” a performance commissioned by the Mary Lou Williams Centennial Celebration, with a special post-event talk back session moderated by associate professor of theater Patrick Sims and guest artist Mark Gonzales.

On Oct. 2, First Wave presents “Turbulence: the Eve of Crashing” from 7–8:30 p.m. in the same venue.

This hip-hop production, rooted in the voice of American youth, examines what happens between that blissful point of take off and the moment it all comes crashing down. Following the show, there will be a talk back with the cast members including a discussion about their recent trip to Manchester, England, where they premiered “Turbulence” to critical acclaim at the Contacting the World International Theater Arts Festival in mid–July. This is the first open performance of the piece outside that festival.

Saturday, Oct. 2

Ron Numbers, Hilldale Professor of the History of Science and Medicine, speaks with Wisconsin Public Radio’s Steve Paulson from 3–4:30 p.m. in the Overture Center’s Promenade Hall, 201 State St. Numbers addresses the complicated relationship between science and religion. Author of “The Creationists,” a history of the modern revival of creationism, and co-editor of the collection God and Nature, Numbers tangles with many questions relating to faith, fact and fiction.