Writer’s Choice: David Maraniss lectures at Sunlight Project

The turbulent events of the late 1960s still resonate on the UW–Madison campus. Pulitzer Prize-winner David Maraniss, a Madison native, wrote “They Marched into Sunlight” to chronicle two intertwined events in October 1967: the ambush of a U.S. battalion by North Vietnamese soldiers and the Madison riots protesting campus recruitment by Dow Chemical, the makers of napalm.

From Thursday-Saturday, March 24-26, the Dance Department and Arts Institute present the Sunlight Project and Symposium, reflecting on the book and the events it describes.

On March 24, Maraniss presents the spring Hilldale Lecture: “Into Sunlight: The connections of war and peace from Vietnam to Afghanistan, from Lyndon Johnson to Barack Obama, from a book to a dance.” The event will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Wisconsin Union Theater.

On March 25, a dance concert features two choreographic interpretations of “They Marched Into Sunlight”: “Into Sunlight” by New York artist Robin Becker and “Sunlit Fields” by UW–Madison’s Jin-Wen Yu. Reserved tickets are $18 for the general public; $10 students & seniors, available through the Wisconsin Union Box Office. This event will be held at 8 p.m. at the Wisconsin Union Theater. With the exception of the dance concert, all programs are free and open to the public.

Other events include:

Throughout the weekend:

“Combat Paper Workshop”

Combat Paper is made using uniforms worn while on tour during war. War veterans use the process of making Combat Paper as a means to reconcile their experiences while engaged in conflict once they return to civilian life. The public is welcome to observe this three-day process. 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Art Lofts, 111 N. Frances St.

“History of the 44th General Hospital”

This exhibit presents a brief history of Madison’s 44th General Hospital during World War II and Desert Storm. The 44th General Hospital was deactivated in September 1995, probably for good. In 2000 Don Klimpel organized a group of former 44th General Hospital members and chaired the creation of this exhibit in memory of a onetime hospital commander. Noon-5 p.m., first floor lobby, Lathrop Hall.

March 24

“Learning Through Story: Wisconsin Story Booth and Sterling Hall Bombing Memories”

Last summer, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Sterling Hall bombing, the Wisconsin Story Project and the UW-Oral History Program gathered stories from Madisonians willing and able to offer their memories. This discussion reflects on that collaboration. Noon-1 p.m., 220 Teacher Education Building.

March 25

“American Experience: Two Days in October”

Screening of “Two Days in October.” 1:30-3 p.m., H’Doubler Performance Space, Lathrop Hall.

“The Vietnam War on Campus, c.1967”

This panel discussion, with Jane Brotman and Paul Soglin, features alumni and administrators present for and involved in the protests at UW–Madison. James Danky, moderator 3:30-5 p.m., H’Doubler Performance Space, Lathrop Hall.

March 26

Two moderated panel discussions. H’Doubler Performance Space, Lathrop Hall.

“War on Campus, c.1967 – 2011”

A presentation and discussion by current UW–Madison faculty whose research addresses the Vietnam War as well as America’s current and recent military actions in the Middle East. 1:30-3 p.m.

“Veterans of Wisconsin, c.1967–2011”

A panel discussion of veterans who served in the Vietnam War and America’s recent military actions in the Middle East. 3:30-5 p.m.