Category — In Conflict

Based on Yvonne Latty’s book In Conflict: Iraq War Veterans Speak Out on Duty, Loss and the Fight to Stay Alive, “In Conflict” vividly portrays the aftermath of sixteen Iraq war veterans whose lives have been drastically changed, mostly, for the worst. Adapted and directed by Douglas C. Wager, the play was a series of candid testimonies on the effects of the experience in Iraq. Several of them describe the unfortunate loss of limbs, the drastic toll the experience took on their daily lifestyles, and the insurmountable physical and mental pain. [Read more →]

Portraying a passionate subject about a passionate war, “In Conflict” puts the Iraq War into perspective in this Off-Broadway production. Yvonne Latty, the brains behind this play, captures the personal accounts of seventeen soldiers who serve or have served in the war, and brings them to the public. There is much confusion and hidden information from the American people about the war. People do not know what to believe anymore. Are we winning? Are we losing? Are we doing the right thing? With its wonderful script, casting and setting, “In Conflict” succeeds at conveying the ambiguities of the war and exposing them to the public eye.
As the play starts off, images of the American flag can be seen on the stage and on the flat- screens around it. Truly, a sense of patriotism is evoked in the audience. A group of seventeen soldiers enters the scene, and throughout the two hours of the play, we listen to each of their accounts of their role in the Iraq War. As involved or not involved in politics and international affairs as you may be, the stories grip your interest immediately. A combination of deeply emotional and sad stories and ones that are courageous and uplifting create a great balance which really gives the play a good flow. In addition to the scripting, the music during the acts sets the mood as well. [Read more →]

images.theglobeandmail.com/ archives/RTGAM/ima

I went to see the show, In Conflict, in Greenwich Village. I was looking forward to seeing this play, especially because I was never in the area before. I expected the play to be a little bit depressing but to mostly portray the war in Iraq as necessary and its veterans as heroes. However, this is not at all what I actually watched, it was something of a completely different nature.
The play is based on the book that a journalist wrote about the stories of Iraqi war veterans. She interviewed about 12 people and asked them about their experiences in the war and their life when they came back home to the United States. Most of the people she interviewed, tell her all of the negative experiences they have had in the war. Some suffered from horrible injuries, while others spoke about the loss of a relative or friend. Students from Temple University acted out the veterans in the book. [Read more →]

In Conflict is Yvonne Latty’s depiction of the Iraqi War’s untold stories. It is filled with compelling and heartbreaking accounts of real Iraqi War veteran’s experiences. The monologues that are delivered by the actors are a highlight of the show. The set was a distraction and did not enhance the play whatsoever. The play was highlighted by a very poignant moment at the end that brings the show full circle and is touching and emotional. [Read more →]

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. [Read more →]