A famous Iowa politician and agricultural pioneer will be remembered for his inspiration and discovery Friday in the one-man play “American Dreamer.”

Former Secretary of Agriculture, Vice President of the United States and founder of Hybrid Pioneer International, Henry A. Wallace, will be the subject of the production at 7 p.m. on Friday at Fisher Theater.

The one-person play, written by Cynthia Mercati and adapted from the book by former Iowa Senator John Culver, takes a look into the life and times of Henry Wallace.

“Most people know [Wallace] was an Iowan and the vice president, but are unaware of how politically active he was,” says Tom Milligan, who portrays Wallace. “This play is a lot more political than people think.”

Milligan says he learned much about the statesman’s pioneering spirit while he was researching to play his part.

“Henry was ahead of his time,” he says. “He’d always look to what we were going to do in the future. For instance, he was the first to try to advocate national health care.”

Wallace had great faith in the future of the nation, and that faith shows through in “American Dreamer,” Milligan says.

“Throughout the play you’ll find that history repeats itself,” he says. “Everything Henry wanted was going to eventually happen.”

“American Dreamer” will be performed by the Iowa Touring Theatre Company and is hosted by the ISU Agronomy department in celebration of its centennial.

Melea Reicks Licht, agronomy department communications specialist, says the play was chosen because of its significance to Iowa and appeal to a broad audience.

“I thought it was appropriate and important to agronomy,” Licht says. “You will be entertained with humor and leave knowing more about agriculture and its history, more about Iowa and more about Henry Wallace as a man.”

During a time when the government was willing to let agriculture fade, it’s enlightening to learn what Henry did for the country, says Joe Tish, manager for the Iowa Touring Theatre Company.

“Henry was very big on farmers and helping to improve their economic status,” Tish says. “He had such a passion for the land.”

Wallace’s passion for life extended far beyond the world of agriculture, Milligan says. Wallace detested racial segregation and discrimination during a time when the practices were commonplace in many parts of the United States.

“Henry was a great man,” Milligan says. “He even refused to eat, sleep and talk in any segregated areas.”

Milligan hopes the production leaves the audience a bit more knowledgeable.

“Good theater should do two things – educate and entertain,” Milligan says. “This play does both.”