Play Takes Biased, But Balanced, Look At War
Photo from Jobsite Theater
Steve Garland, left, Christopher Rutherford (in mask) and Betty-Jane Parks star in Jobsite Theater’s production of “Embedded,” Tim Robbins’ satire about journalists covering the war in Iraq.
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Published: August 8, 2008
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TAMPA - Jobsite Theatre has a 10-year history of embracing the tough and avant-garde. It stands to reason, then, that the company would be equally enamored with the upcoming production of "Embedded," Tim Robbins' controversial, in-your-face political satire about journalists covering the war in Iraq.
The play makes a bold statement about current events that has provoked criticism and praise for actor-director-playwright Robbins — from both sides of the political spectrum. But the folks at Jobsite are less concerned with shock value than in stimulating intelligent thought and discussion.
"One reason we [chose] this show was to remind people that whatever your politics are, it's important to remember how we got to where we're at. That's what this show talks about," said David Jenkins, co-director and Jobsite's artistic director David Jenkins.
"Embedded" portrays the circumstances of journalists selected to join military units and cover the day-to-day lives of soldiers in a war zone. Based on his interviews with embedded correspondents and field reports from various news sources, Robbins juxtaposes three story lines: the U.S. government's influence on the media and news dissemination, the journalists' professional and ethical responsibilities, and the military's duty to protect and serve.
While Although people and places are fictionalized, there's no chance of missing who's who with names such as like Rum-Rum, Cove, Dick, Woof, Gondala and Pearly White — the cabal that runs the Office of Special Affairs on the war against Gomorrah. Each Characters wears a masks that looks like the real-life players as they plan how to shape public opinion and manage the media.
"They are the armchair commanders without ever being on the battlefield. Sometimes they disregard reports; sometimes they augment information to suit their needs," said Chris Rutherford, who portrays Dick and Sarge.
The journalists here run the moral gamut, with some fighting the sensors to depict what's really going on and others acting as cheerleaders for the military. Sandwiched between the media and government are the straight-shooting soldiers who are there to do a job and not ask questions.
The playwright's bias is clear, but Robbins somehow strikes a balance between irreverent conjecture and hard truths.
"There is so much beneath the surface, and the play is trying to expose it. Yes, there's a political slant. Yes, it's against the Iraq war. But whatever your political tendencies happen to be, you can still come to the show and learn something and make opinions afterward," said co-director Shawn Paonessa.
ON STAGE
Embedded
WHEN: Thursday through Aug. 31; 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Shimberg Playhouse, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa
HOW MUCH: $24.50; (813) 222-1001; www.tbpac.org
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