The China
Vase, written and directed by Bernie Kavanagh, is a serious and
absorbing new play. Three playlets follow seamlessly critical moments in
the lives of six soldiers across three wars – 4 privates, their
sergeant and their commanding officer.
After a
dramatic and shocking opening, the first action takes place in WW1 as
the sergeant and privates prepare the night before to go over the top.
They basically accept their fate that they may not survive the next day.
Apart from one of the privates who has a Southern Irish background, they
have little if any understanding of the politics behind the war.
The WW2
scene follows an incident near the conclusion of the war in Italy.
Ordinary soldiers begin to really question the authority and politics of
their commanding officer. From a historical perspective given this
attitude, it comes as no surprise that at the conclusion of WW2 a Labour
government is swept into power.
The third
situation, and perhaps the most interesting because of its contemporary
nature, is set in modern Iraq. War has changed. Who is the enemy? In
these times of the suicide bomber how does a soldier identify his enemy?
Into this political labyrinth we send young men to try to impose some
kind of day to day order. It is no wonder that they are pushed to the
edge when faced with such intense pressures.
This
theme is well developed using the small cast of credible characters. The
physical acting and timing of the cast members is of a high order. This
is a thought provoking play, the tension being sustained all the way
through. It is well worth seeing.
****
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