Women and War

Women and War was an interesting production in many ways, but it was also disconcerting in as many.

Format - the format of the production with video interviews of female war survivors projected on parts of the set was a new and engaging. The acting took place before and after these clips on a stage with interesting lighting. Some aspects of the set design were more captivating than others. The one scene of a woman shot through a video camera on the stage and projected to look like she was in a foxhole was particularly well done.

Actresses - I agree with Denise's sentiment about the lack of diversity among the cast members. We actually discussed this on the car ride home. The monologue of a Congolese rape survivor was the best piece in the entire production. This young actress should be looking forward to a fruitful career in the theater.

Humor - As someone with many friends and students who are Muslim, I was offended by the humor of the scene with the woman in a burka and the two stand-up comics. I am a huge fan of dark humor and understand the irony of their attempt. But I did not feel it was the authentic creation of women from that experience. I don't know any of my friends and students from this faith that would have felt comfortable with this scene. It lacked skill.

Finally, in the talk back session I was disappointed with the response I received about how the experiences of the women were portrayed from a primarily western perspective. The stories ended with arrival in the United States as if that was the consummate happy ending to the horrific tales of war. This is often the beginning of yet another round of difficulties for women arriving here despite their relative safety from the immediacy of war. This was 'not their main focus.' I get tired of westerners assuming the struggle for these survivors is over the minute they hit our shores. I felt that was a subcurrent in the pieces whether intentional or not, and I find it throughout media coverage, narratives, and reporting of the lives of those who survive war and find a new refuge in our country.