Ajax in Iraq

by Ellen McLaughlin

Genres: Plays

54 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 2011

Reviews

[Maram Samman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please I need to read the book but I do not know how? If you could send me a copy or tell me where to find it I will be grateful.

[Echo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This play has two many plot lines, one about the ancient Greek soldier Ajax who fought in the Trojan War, and other about a current female soldier in Iraq, AJ. Both warriors are betrayed by those in command, go crazy and kill a bunch of farm animals. There are appearences by Athena, a Greek Chorus, and a bunch of veterans that talk about the war.

I love this play, which my college is performing, because it gets to the heart of the problems of war. It doesn't try to argue about when it's right to go to war, if it's ever right or how to go to war, it brings light to problems like communicating with the civilians, coming home after war, and the vastly under-addressed problem of PTSD. The play focuses not so much on the war, but on the aftermath of war on soldiers, women in the war, and the loved ones of soldiers. Great for discussion starting.

[Grace Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I get the sense that this is a physical, visual piece. A great deal of exploration and rehearsal is required before I quite fall in love with it. But what a fantastic concept, linking that "madness of war" sentiment central to the Ajax story with a very modern (and very much needed) exploration of PTSD, sexual abuse and other issues relevant in the military today.