Is evil just a word used to justify evil?
Shadow of Himself, written by Neal Bell, professor of the practice of theater studies, explores this essential question by putting a modern spin on the ancient Sumerian epic of Gilgamesh.
The ancient tale tells the story of a king who is part god, part mortal and his friend who is half man, half animal. At the king's bidding, the two launch an unjustified attack upon the guardian of the forest and must then face unanticipated consequences.
Director Jody McAuliffe, also a professor of the practice of theater studies, noted the relevance of the piece to current international issues.
"There are certain overt parallels to the situation in Iraq," she said. "It's an imperialistic venture based on faulty information."
The story, which takes place in what is present-day Iraq, focuses on essentially timeless themes.
"It could apply to all kinds of aggressive wars... it's a very human story-it's about loss and redemption," McAuliffe said. "The main character has to learn that he has to lose something or someone that he loves and that teaches him compassion and humanity."
Not only does the play emphasize the senselessness of human violence and aggression, but it also draws attention to the ensuing damage to the earth.
In his lust for glory, the king ravages the land, destroying everything in his path.
"You make the world a wasteland," laments the king's beloved friend, far too late.
McAuliffe explained that environmental concerns also link the plot to current issues in global politics.
A New York theater group called The Civilians, which specializes in documentary work, originally commissioned the play. The group asked Bell to write a piece concerning masculinity.
This theme is explored extensively in the play, which presents two ambiguously homosexual relationships between men fixated on demonstrating their strength and courage, regardless of the devastating consequences.
Bell seamlessly integrates these themes, successfully crafting a piece which is politically charged in more ways than one.
Actors Michael Ayers, a senior and Aaron Marco, Trinity '04, interact in a manner which conveys their ferocity and aggression while maintaining the suggestion of intimacy and tenderness, illustrating the complexities of human relationships.
The play reveals essential human fears of loneliness and being forgotten. But as the characters learn, there are worse fates than that.
Shadow of Himself can be seen in the Bryan Center's Sheafer Theater April 5 to 7 and 12 to 14 at 8 p.m. and April 7 and April 15 at 2 p.m.
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