Off Broadway Production Takes Breath Away
Not too often can I honestly say something has moved me in such a way that I will live my life differently. This was how I felt as I walked out of the Barrow Street Theater after viewing Yvonne Latty’s “In Conflict.” Going in, I was expecting just an average play out on by Temple University student actors. I was pleasantly surprised to have been proven wrong. I didn’t have any “conflicts” with this hard-hitting off-Broadway production.
From the minute the play began, it was evident that these students weren’t average actors. Each one had a unique originality and talent for the character being depicted. In other words, when Yvonne Latty found these students, she assembled the perfect group. Emotion and passion rushed through the stage with each delivery of the accounts of the Iraq War. During the talkback after the performance, I was shocked to learn that the actors’ only means of preparing for their roles were listening to vocal recordings of the actual veterans. I found it amazing that they could portray these men and women so realistically without actually meeting them. The actors even had a few surprises offering the audience a tasty treat to nibble on during the performance. Although, all of the actors showed obvious talent, one actor had a profound effect on me in particular. Damon Williams’ portrayals of Jamel and Herold were simply amazing and left me asking the question, “Where else will I see this rising star in the future?” As evident as it was, casting wasn’t the only success off Broadway production.
Production did an excellent job creating the perfect settings for each individual account given and the cast did an extraordinary job executing. No matter what the situation, whether it was in the middle of an Iraqi air raid or listening to Ty Simmons’ account of the war back on American soil, I felt like I was right there along with the actors. Lighting and sounds were orchestrated perfectly, turning that small stage turn into a battleground, hospital, and even the homes of the Iraq war veterans that were interviewed.
One aspect of the play that can be overlooked is how Yvonne Latty does a superb job of combining such a diverse group of soldiers that were interviewed. Every combination of race, color, and sexual orientation you could think of was included in the play, making it a performance that could appeal to all audiences. It took many years to find the veterans that she interviewed. She traveled thousands of miles to many different places in order to obtain the interviews she desired. Her hard work and dedication truly paid off and it was great to see how happy she was with the end product.
How does someone define a “great” play? Most will say it must have a blend of outstanding acting, gripping storyline, and intuitive producing. “In Conflict” is definitely a play that consists of all three. This is a rarity among today’s television and movie-dominated world. It is safe so say that “In Conflict” gives audiences what they want and leaves them wanting more. This makes ask the question, will this off Broadway production make its way to Hollywood? I think so.
