The War - a Play in One Act

This one-act presents a dramatic dialogue about US involvement in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Five college students, four men and one woman, debate various war issues. Ron challenges each of his friends to join him in a march against the war scheduled to take place in Portland, Oregon, where the participants are college students. Ron and his girl friend Jan are planning to participate in the march, but roommates Mike, Sam, and Jonathan express reservations. Jonathan's father is...
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This one-act presents a dramatic dialogue about US involvement in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Five college students, four men and one woman, debate various war issues. Ron challenges each of his friends to join him in a march against the war scheduled to take place in Portland, Oregon, where the participants are college students. Ron and his girl friend Jan are planning to participate in the march, but roommates Mike, Sam, and Jonathan express reservations. Jonathan's father is serving in Afghanistan, and his brother is serving in Iraq. Sam is cynical, and says the war is only about oil and money. Jan is disturbed by the loss of life, and the thousands of injured soldiers returning home. Mike supports the war, expressing his opposition to tyranny, and his devotion to human rights and democracy for all people. The debate provides a thoughtful presentation of issues related to the war and its human and financial costs. Issues debated include motives for the war, environmental considerations, oil interests, consequences of reduced oil supplies, fuel economy, and fuel consumption as an American lifestyle. It is a provocative discussion spiced with humorous elements. The romantic relationship between Ron and Jan demonstrates how easily war can arise in the world despite the best of intentions. Ron has a gift for saying the wrong thing about his lovely lady, and she has a lively and aggressive emotional response.