Timely Play Addresses Racism, Homophobia, BY JON WHITE This year marks the tenth anniver- sary of the Gulf War. Though many seethe war as a triumph of the forces of democracy over the oppression of Saddam Hussein’s tyranny, Naomi Wallace’s play, In the Heart of America, reveals stifling injustice within the American armed forces. Wallace’s play goes beyond cri- tiquing the military — it offers a dis- turbing look at American society. In Wallace’s America, racism and homophobia abound. Contrasting against such themes of hate and oppression, as well as against Wallace’s social criticism, the ‘ plot engages the love that flourishes between two young soldiers serving in the war. It is a tale that is at once violent and tender, numbing yet erot- ic. This May, Middlebury College seniors Ryan Palsrok and Laura Yee bring Wallace’s provocative story to Vermont. Last year Palsrok, the.director, became the center of a controversy over discrimination against gays on campus. This episode, along with the fact that Middlebury has witnessed the destruction of materials b_elong- ing to gay and Islamic student organ- izations in the last two years, lends great topicality to Palsrok’s direc- tion. ‘~ Wallace sets the play in an army camp in Saudi Arabia. The action, however, interweaves the traumas of - the Gulf War with those of Vietnam. Characters talk of dropping thou- sands of pounds of bombs on Iraq, ‘while in another scene they discuss the grisly details of the 1968 My Lai ‘ Massacre in Vietnam. Two characters, Boxler and Lue Ming, give haunting life to Wallace’s look at the Vietnam conflict. The two literally haunt the play as spirits left over from the war in Southeast Asia and their stories recall the racism, violence, and destruction that pre- vailed in Vietnam30 years ago. The sensual romance that counters this past brutality involves two sol- diers, Craver and Remzi. Craver hails from a lower class family from Laura Yee, as Lue Ming, can be seen in /n the Heart of America, produced by the Middlebury College Theater Department. ' The show is also sponsored by Feminist Action at Middlebury, as well as the Middlebury Open Queer Alliance. Kentucky while Remzi is Palestinian-American. Beyond being taunted for their homosexuality, the two endure humiliation for their own social backgrounds; Remzi for being an Arab in American society, and Craver for his country roots. Nonetheless, the two find each other against the odds created by their social status, their sexuality, and their involvement in the army. Through Craver and Remzi, Wallace challenges her audience to address the violence, homophobia, and racism that continue to _under- mine our humanity. The beating death of Matthew Shepard‘ several years ago, the current and escalating conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the unwill- ingness in Washingtonto redress the “don’t ask don’t tell” policy in the military, all indicate that homopho- bia, racism, and violence continue to grip society. In her introduction, Wallace explains her motives for writing the play. “I am most impassioned by a theater that puts us all at risk. I am not as interested in answers as'I am in questions.” Wallace provides no. simple solu- tions in her play, but she suggests that transformation can occur. Perhaps for Wallace, in challenging her audience to address and consider these issues, steps toward some solu- tion can be found. Wallace’s play opened for audi- ences at the Bush Theater in London on August 3, 1994. It won the 1995 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. Palsrok’s staging of In the Heart of America will be one of the few ever done in the United States. It features five students from Middlebury assuming the main roles; Michael Azzara, Liz Myers, Chris Timberlake, Laura Yee, and Ulises Zanello have been cast for the pro- duction. M may 2001 OITM -23 I E l- .2 E o é O .C D. THE ALMOST EMPTY HOUSE Last window shut last bag of trash waiting at the door. I can see the spots wherel lived, where I have been rich and poor. Had lost our self here our secret rendezvous haunted place, haunted space I lived here after her. I slept in that room I ate in them all in the almost empty house, it was the only place left for me to call home. Who says I didn't pay? I left the curtain . in the bathroom in the I almost empty house. Pat Robinson Direct Line} Email: Brian E. Brubaker Sales & Leasing Consultant “Gladly serving you, out in our community. ” (802) 846-0328 SaturnVtBriB @aol.com 1089 S/\TU?N 0 f ‘. South Burlingtoiil Shelburne Road South Burlington, Vermont 05403 (800) 862-6601 www.saturnvt.com ‘ A Member Of: FREEDOMPARTNERS Invite the Saturn Cooker! The Saturn Cooker is the perfect addition to any gathering where you want to have fun. And best of all, it ’s available to you at N 0 CHARGE!!! Give me a call for more information, and to reserve the Cooker for your event.’ !