Although Canadian forces served in Normandy, we don’t have a Saving Private Ryan. We fought in Iraq but we don’t have a Canadian Hurt Locker. All too often, our national experience in combat is underrepresented in mainstream art forms. Tarragon Theatre’s This is War attempts to rectify this oversight.
The play revolves around a controversial joint operation between Canadian forces and the Afghan National Army. Three soldiers are interviewed about their involvement, and each is hesitant to disclose even superficial details. The play weaves the soldiers’ stories together through flashbacks that also serve to expose their internal conflicts. This Is War includes the expected narratives of roadside IEDs (improvised explosive devices), adolescent Jihadists, and the unintentional killing of civilians. However, the work’s originality stems from its exploration of the social interactions on a Canadian military base: the sexual tension, the toll of traumatic stress, and the haunting consequences of crisis decision-making.
The play’s brilliant set evokes the confinement and tension of a military base, while strong sound and lighting design heighten the mood. In a powerful scene, Private Jonny Henderson (Ian Lake) propositions his love interest — and superior — Master Corporal Tanya Young (Lisa Berry). The two soldiers negotiate beneath a starless Afghan sky, represented by a nearly pitch-black stage, while soft gunfire echoes in the distance.
Unfortunately, the production’s technical success and strong ensemble cast cannot cover up crucial pitfalls in its script. Repeated flashbacks become redundant, and the use of an interview to justify lengthy monologues is a playwriting cop-out.
Despite some questionable scriptwriting choices, This is War is a thought-provoking attempt at elucidating the Canadian experience in war. Unlike most Hollywood blockbusters, This is War triumphs because it dares to focus on the battles off the field — those fought within the minds of the combatants.
Tarragon Theatre’s “This is War” runs until February 3. Student tickets are $27 and rush tickets are available at $13 for Friday and Sunday performances.
