A Lesson for Young People
“If I don’t do something, who will?”
It is this question that drives Smithson to join the army reserves, and is an idea that continues throughout the play as he reflects. This is the question that drives him to forgo a college education when he is deployed. This is the question that drives him to purpose to his college girlfriend and make the promise that if he survives, he will come to her, and this is the question that forces him to embark on a year that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
Krey portrays that tension as he shares Smithson’s story, and through that narrative, a lesson arises – an especially necessary one for young people. Smithson’s experience is just one example of how a student can take a step towards action for a cause in which they believe, and that alone is an important message to spread. Ghosts of War for that reason makes an excellent story to share with schools, and Griffin Theatre even offers ideas for that curriculum on their website.
Lauren Katz is a freelance director and dramaturge, and new to the Chicago Theatre Scene. She recently moved from Washington DC, where she worked with Mosaic Theater Company of DC in Company Management, as well as directed around town with various theaters.