In Conflict

“There is nothing on this green Earth stronger than the US army. Because there is nothing on this green Earth stronger than a US soldier.” So claims the recruitment video which begins Temple University’s production of In Conflict – a study of the thoughts and experiences of American troops who have fought, and been injured, in Iraq, as told in their own words.

One might expect the recruitment video to serve as a poignantly ironic hook into a set of monologues drawing stark contrast between the army’s apparent respect for these super-humans, and the broken frames and minds which they send back home. Sure enough, if this production achieves anything it is to highlight war’s unfaltering ability to wreck lives, even where it doesn’t take them. But with the exception of one token protester who, we are told, is compelled to “speak out”—and who happens to be an immigrant—the production’s criticism of the armed services and their fervent patriotic appeals to young people is fairly limited. This is not, in itself, a criticism of the production – theatre must be allowed to explore all sides of a political issue. One can’t help, however, but feel browbeaten by this production. In its bid to depict Iraq vets as “heroes,” In Conflict forgets to debate and prefers to preach.

Moreover, In Conflict struggles as a piece of theatre. Adapted from a collection of interviews by journalist Yvonne Latty, Douglas C. Wager has selected excerpts with a view to cover as broad a spectrum of issues as possible – physical disfigurement, mental trauma, even gays in the military. The result is string of disconnected monologues which graze the surface of too many great debates. And while the young actors are to be commended for their committed performances, the stage and the theatre are far too large for these real-life monologues to develop the intimacy they deserve. In the programme notes, Wager writes that troops “deserve the chance to be heard, listened to and understood” – a sentiment one would struggle to fault. One can’t help but feel, however, that Latty’s book might provide a more useful, more complete and more comprehensive view of the experiences of those we send to fight.