Wounded
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Rose, Meijer
Photo by Eric Ancker
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By Joseph N. Feinstein
A single, double, or triple has, of course, one meaning to us as a term in baseball. Did you know that to our wounded, it has a totally different meaning? These terms and other essential issues confronting our men and women returnees from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan are presented in the play now appearing at the Powerhouse Theater in Santa Monica until May 19. Alas, there are some negatives attached to this play that one can examine!
Unfortunately, the theater in which this play appears should be condemned. It is dilapidated with handrails that collapse in your hand; paint that peeled twenty years ago; and a stage that seems a million miles away even though you're sitting in the seventh row.
Many, but not all, of the actors speak in either such low or garbled tones that it is hard to make out their lines. Possibly it is simply lousy acoustics in this Powerhouse Theatre. The air in the theater was stuffy, adding to my discomfort along with my inability to hear well.
Under the "Positives" column, we would definitely add kudos to Tom Burmeister as lead writer and director of the play, which was a collaboration of the Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble. Countless hours of research and interviews with returning veterans and their families were the basis for this play. Burmeister created some admirable production values: the scene between Angel (Carly Reeves) in her fantasy scene with a healthy Andy (Eric Ancker) before he is wounded is truly lovely. The scene where Beth (Emily Rose) confronts Doc (Albert Meijer) -- he a single, she a double -- about their relationship is equally poignant. As well is Doc's intensity and passion as he confronts his wife, Ellen (Morgan Early), about his despair and grief for who he was and what he has to live for. Significant moments of theater are highlighted by the appearance of the Iraqi woman (Lauren Eckstom) during her brief moments on stage.
The sensitivity and understanding we all need to experience toward our war wounded is powerfully portrayed in this brave and forward-looking production, It's a grim ninety minutes for us; it's an even grimmer, sadder story for those who actually live it.
Go see it and sit close. Turn up your hearing aid and wear light clothing. There's a message for all of us within.
Wounded Powerhouse Theatre 3116 2nd Street Santa Monica, 90405
(Between Rose and Marine Streets) Tel. 310-396-3680 Tickets $25; Students and Military $15; Friday and Saturday @ 8:00 p.m. (May 18, 19).
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