seven-a theater review

In Conflict
Directed and adapted by: Douglas C. Wager
Based on the book by: Yvonne Latty
Barrow Street Theatre
27 Barrow Street New York, NY 10014
At 7th Avenue, South of Christopher Street
(212) 868-4444
By: Ashley L. Mathus

Winner of the Fringe First award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, In Conflict is an eye-opening production, urging American audiences to just listen. Based on Yvonne Latty’s novel, In Conflict is a stunning two-hour retelling of sixteen diverse interviews, staged to spark heavy emotions as Iraq veterans enlighten us with their experiences. Stifled emotions, post-war life, and political views drastically vary, as the production asks, why? The audience is left with feelings of helplessness, sadness, and guilt drawn from a current vital topic.

Temple University’s current and post-graduate students adapt, some more successful than others, accents, post-trauma physicality, and interminable despondency. As the lights dim, recognizable “Army Strong” commercial illuminates contradiction, the prelude to disturbing recounts. Our birds-eye view is directed towards an authoritative horizontal line of eleven, standing tall and proud, right hand raised, pledging ‘allegiance’. The allegiance once vowed is in question, now home. Interviews revealed dubious lifestyles, which in turn severely questioned coping issues sans government support. They embodied individualism, some answering with vigor and passionate ideals, while others disclosed disabilities, raging against a disloyal country. Service abroad provoked a homosexual male’s resistance to re-enlisting; another’s AWOL motives, but justified a female’s college tuition responsibility. Danielle Pinnock, (Lisa Haynes, an Army Reserves Sergeant from Oklahoma), has a memorable performance as her weakened disposition, candid responses, and emotional gaps depicted accuracy. Damon Williams, (double-cast as Private First Class Herold Noel and Marine Corporal Jamel Daniels) outshined others. A convincing performance channeled Noel’s nightmarish PTSD-related manner, and Daniel’s amputation despair, illustrating suppressed anger over daily obstacles.

Observing the students’ attachment to their inspirational non-fiction hero’s pulls at heartstrings. They defend patriotism but confess fears; some can’t help but turn their back against the flag they once saluted. The evident struggle of equilibrium between post-war and everyday tasks ricochets paranoia and social disorders. Truth hovered over the battle line, shouting irreversible memories in the media’s face. In honor, the cast bowed to the veterans, seen through plasma screens on right and left stage. In Conflict succeeds; a first person point of view is heard without political agendas tied to it.


[Look for review later this week on showbusinessweekly.com, thanks!!]
[Please please please go see this if you're in the area! It's wonderful, inspiring, and vital to current political dramz]