The Travel Adventure series: A piece of Madison history
By Erin Bannen and Emily Connor
In a global technological society where Skyping a friend in Italy and watching a Youtube video of the Libyan protests are commonplace, it might seem that the Wisconsin Union Theater’s Travel Adventure Series is obsolete. These days, learning about a different culture may be only one click away on the Internet.
The Travel Adventure Series has given audiences multicultural experiences for over 50 years. For only a moderate ticket price, guests get a chance to experience a captivating film featuring another country while they dine on a catered buffet themed around the film.
Even in today’s digital age, audiences enjoy the Travel Adventure Series. It’s not only because of the buffets prior to the show. It’s not even just the idea behind the series–namely, to transport the audience to the sights, sounds, and beliefs of somewhere else. It’s the history behind this 50-year tradition.
“One of my favorite memories was during the 50th anniversary year of the Travel Adventure Series,” said Wisconsin Union Theater director Ralph Russo.
“From the stage, I asked how many people had been coming for ten years. About half of the audience members raised their hands. Twenty-five years? About a third. Fifty years? An adorable couple near the front row raised their hands and received a standing ovation. This is what makes this series special–it’s the loyalty of the audience for the program and the friends they’ve attended with for so many years,” said Russo.
Guests of the Travel Adventure Series experience a glimpse into another culture. Yet, they also experience a piece of Madison history with one of the city’s most loyal audiences.
This season, the Travel Adventure Series will visit many countries north and south of the equator. A number of films will feature Middle Eastern destinations, including Pakistan, Afghanistan and Egypt. Other films in the series will highlight more nearby destinations but show unfamiliar attractions. Films on Peru and Mexico will showcase lesser-known history and geography, like that of the Incas.
Anyone can attend the Travel Adventure Series, but UW Madison students and Union members receive discounted ticket prices. So instead of simply clicking through websites about the Mediterranean or the Nile River, consider grabbing a bite of multicultural food and sitting in the Union Theater among some of Madison’s most devoted film viewers.
Here is a quick preview of this year’s upcoming films:
Mary L
ee and Sid Nolan: Cruising the Eastern Mediterranean
Come along for a journey through the beautiful and historical Eastern Mediterranean. The film begins with a visit to the glorious sites of Venice and the Greek Island of Ithaca. From there, it explores the ancient temples that honor the mythical birthplace of Apollo, the history of Athens and ancient Troy.
Marlin Darrah: 
Pakistan and Afghanistan– A Photographer’s Journey from Kabul to the Khyber Pass & The Tribal Zone
Images of Afghanistan and Pakistan have been common in the news the past ten years. International issues have caused these two countries to be suddenly thrown into the world spotlight. Journey with Marlin Darrah as he explores what it is really like for a non-military traveler to visit these two fascinating countries.
Fran and Brooke Reidelberger: Colorful Mexico!
This film explores Mexico’s best highlights, including riding the famous Copper Canyon train from Chihuahua to Los Mochis, visiting with the Tarahumara Indians, and touring Taxco and other towns built by silver mining.
Clint and Sue Denn: Egypt’s Treasures and Cruising the Nile
Although Egypt has made recent headlines this year, join Clint and Sue Denn to discover the ancient mysteries and past of this cradle of civilization. Learn about the bustling modern metropolis of Cairo, the beautiful Muhammad Ali Mosque, and Alexandria, once the second city of the Roman Empire.
Karin Muller: Along the Royal Inca Road
The 3,200 mile Inca Road was built over five hundred years ago to link the outposts of the Inca Empire. Join renowned adventurer Karin Muller as she travels this route, spinning it into a modern tapestry of faces and memories, while intertwining a chronicle of the Inca and how they lived, worshipped and warred.
To learn more about the Travel Adventure Series, visit the Wisconsin Union Theater’s website.
