The Campus

"I am an Iraqi! I am an Iraqi!"

These are the words flowing passionately out of each actor's mouth, emphasizing the strength of the play. Aftermath, showing at the New York Theatre Workshop until October 18, is one of the most touching plays currently in production.

The play is based on real stories put together by Jessica Blank and Erik Jenson. When the two playwrights went to Iraq, they talked to Iraqi refugees in Jordan to collect the natives' breath-taking experiences. The interviews are compiled into eight life tales showing eight different viewpoints and relationships to the war.

Since the audience members are put into the position of the interviewer, the actors speak to the audience directly. Everyone pays close attention-holding on to their chair in suspense. Stunning performances combined with a great plot are successful in delivering the message and have a lasting impact on the public. The audience laughs and the audience cries. If not for the humor throughout, the dramatic aspects would be too much to handle for many people.

"The play was so real and powerful that I was forgetting I was sitting in a theater," says CCNY student Aleksandra Dybkowska. "A documentary theater is an amazing way to speak up the truth, and reach those who might usually not be interested in world events and people's lives."

The strength of the play lies in the art of combining both the love for Americans and the hatred and frustration caused by the occupation. The Iraqi citizens are all welcoming the American culture and people, while suffering from scars caused by torture, sorrow, death, and displacement. The exiles share their varying stories, displaying what the mass media attempts to hide.

No matter if the knowledge about the suffering and danger in Iraqi already exists in the minds of the audience, the play encourages taking direct action by examining the situation. After the play, the director of the theatre gives the audience members a chance to participate in discussion and ask questions, sometimes causing controversy among those with different perspectives.

Everyone should value and respect the Iraqi people and their culture. The play really transfers an image of a rich culture, which is oftentimes forgotten during the war. It's eye-opening to see the two sides of this issue. There should be no hesitation in pursing an opportunity to see this masterpiece.

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