What I Heard About the War in Iraq.

Birmingham

WHAT I HEARD ABOUT THE WAR IN IRAQ
adapted by Simon Levy from Eliot Weinberger’s London Review of Books article With additions for the UK production by Hannah Eidinow.

Midlands Art Centre (MAC): Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH.
TICKETS: 0121 440 3838.
Runs: 1h
Review: Jan Pick 24 May 2007

Weapons of mass deception.
Disturbing scenes and moments of human despair caught on camera are projected onto a screen to form the backdrop of this vigorous attack on the consequences of the decision to invade Iraq. This docu-drama, made up of a clever montage of quotes from politicians, newspapers and official reports, involves five actors who attack their subject with verve and energy to create a powerful indictment of the reasoning behind the declaration of war on Iraq, and the cynicism of the economic giants, led by big business and commerce, in using the fear of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction to protect their investments.

The actors mingle English, American and Iraqi voices with impersonations of the various central political figures, notably Blair, Bush and Rumsfeld, informing their audience of the events occurring in Iraq, emphasising the stream of misinformation, rumour and denial emanating from the centres of power.

Immediately post 9/11, when most Americans and many in the UK were still traumatised by events and, particularly in America, where support for the invasion was almost universal, this anti-war drama must have been deeply shocking in its content. A few years on, whilst the message is still as powerful, it no longer has that same impact. It has become the voice of the general consensus of opinion – in England at least. Now, its arguments well-rehearsed, the piece becomes more of a polemic preaching to the converted.

Nevertheless, it is a timely dramatic reminder of the history of the invasion of Iraq and the consequences of ignoring the lessons, not only of the past, but of the dehumanising and brutalising effects of war. It also chillingly demonstrates the apparent ease with which basic human rights may be dismantled. As in the eastern block under communism, theatre such as this can make a powerful and challenging statement.

Cast:
David Ahmad
Julia Hickman
Kieron Jecchinis
Sean Mullin
Gail Winar

Director: Hannah Eidinow
Designer: Mike Lees
Lighting: Phil Spencer-Hunter
Composer: Tom Hodge

2007-05-28 23:34:04