“I’ve grown empathy and compassion for American soldiers, completely changing my understanding of the war in Afghanistan.”
When we think of the arts – theater, in particular – we don’t necessarily think of military veterans. Yet Local Theater Company – a grantee of the Community Foundation’s Community Trust – has staged a raw exploration of the physical and emotional tolls on our military, and a reminder that heroes don’t always wear uniforms.
In Paper Cut – a new play by Andrew Rosendorf that runs through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at the Dairy Arts Center (also a foundation grantee) – ‘Kyle’ has returned from war a changed man, forced to confront an emotional minefield back at home.
“Boulder audiences first heard Paper Cut last April when Local Theater Company presented it as part of our new play Lab at the Dairy,” says Pesha Rudnick, Founding Artistic Director. “At this early stage, local audiences offered feedback to the playwright about the characters and plot development – some of which made its way into the final production.”
Adds Pesha, who directs the play, “I’m proud that the community who first heard the work gets to experience the world premiere production. It’s been a true ‘page-to-stage’ experience.”
Indeed, the mission of Boulder-based Local Theater Company is to discover and develop new American plays. Paper Cut, specifically, was inspired by journalist David Wood’s 2011 series on the challenges that wounded soldiers face after returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. The articles garnered Wood a Pulitzer Prize and moved Rosendorf to write the play.
Support our local vets by donating to the Veterans Fund at the Community Foundation by Veterans Day, November 11.
“The most rewarding part of working on a new play is diving into characters and themes that expand my own worldview,” continues Pesha. “Working on Paper Cut is no exception. I’ve grown empathy and compassion for American soldiers, completely changing my understanding of the war in Afghanistan.”
Concludes Pesha, “Politics aside, and more importantly, Paper Cut is a love story we can all relate to.”
Click here for more information about Paper Cut, and click here to purchase tickets (or call 303.444.7328).
Photo credit Michael Ensminger Photography
