Historical drama has reached a record high in central Iowa.

Des Moines Metro Arts has been working all summer to inform, educate and entertain folks about Iowa’s sesquicentennial. Tonight is another opportunity to discover what is special about the state’s history.

The Showmotion stage will be featuring “The Great Iowa History Play” by Fax Gilbert.

Gilbert is both the writer and director of this original work. “The play is a humorous collection of narratives from Iowa’s history,” Gilbert said.

This definitely isn’t a standard play; Gilbert is coming to Des Moines without a cast.

“Normally this play takes a week to put together. I go to elementary schools and work with the kids for four or five days, with a final performance on the last day. In this case, I have to hope some kids will show up that afternoon,” Gilbert explained.

The situation: any kids or adults who want to perform can show up at 1:30 p.m. at Greenwood Park to rehearse.

“I will work with anyone who wants to perform,” Gilbert said.

There is a backup plan in case Gilbert has no actors to work with. Gilbert is a professional mime and magician by trade with an original touring show. Plan B is to draw from his bag of tricks and perform some of his original skits.

Metro Arts is hoping for the ideal: a cast of willing participants for the play. “It’s an incredible education experience,” outreach coordinator David Johns said.

To perform in the play, meet Fax Gilbert today at 1:30 p.m. at Greenwood Park, located at 4th and Grand. The performance, be it play or magic show, will begin at 7 p.m. Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

The performance is free and open to the public.