ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, May 30, 1996 TAG: 9605300040
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 8 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: ABINGDON
For its entire run of "The Angel's Share" through June 16, Barter Theatre will be giving farmers $2 off for any tickets they buy.
It's appropriate. The play, which premiered in Russia and is now being performed in the United States for the first time, tells of five Russian seed scientists who preserved their research despite famine all around them during World War II. They hid stockpiles of grain and other edibles from German troops besieging the city of Leningrad for more than 900 days.
"It is truly a magnificent story and a true one, without which we would not have nearly the agricultural bounty we enjoy today," said Charles Batchelor, publisher of "Cooperative Farmer" magazine.
"The work of these scientists had a monumental impact on agriculture today. While the general public may not know the story, professionals in agriculture do and are grateful. It is a wonderful thing that this tale is finally being told. I think people will be amazed when they realize that our American bounty was immeasurably helped by a few dedicated Russian agricultural scientists," he said.
The play was commissioned by Barter Artistic Director Richard Rose. The Vavilov Institute, where the story unfolds, still operates in Leningrad.
Farm operators can get the $2 ticket discount by presenting their farm or stable letterhead at the box office. Tour groups of 20 or more can get an even larger group discount. Further information is available by calling Barter at (800) 368-3240.
LENGTH: Short : 37 linesby CNB