The Synopsis
"It is the mid-1990s and public defender Daniel Kinderland is fighting to save his client, an American soldier, from the death penalty.
"Defendant William Westfall is a highly decorated Marine found guilty of domestic terrorism. After being honorably discharged after Operation Desert Storm, Westfall comes home to mysterious medical illnesses. He also finds the US Veteran’s Administration unable or unwilling to provide answers. A year after Westfall’s tour of duty, his wife gives birth to a severely deformed child. As Westfall’s marriage falls apart and his daughter’s health slowly fails, the soldier’s frustration, rage, and sense of powerlessness culminate in an act of terrorism against his country.
"Sons of the Revolution opens after Westfall has been found guilty. Attorney Kinderland is making a last plea for Westfall’s life before the sentencing phase. Kinderland praises the Marine’s service and appeals to the hearts and minds of an unseen jury. Slowly an expansive odyssey emerges that traces defendant Westfall’s own ancestry through every major US war or conflict since the beginning of the nation. The “ghosts” of Westfall’s family tree emerge to complete a tale of American military service, US history, and its accompanying violence.
"Simultaneously, lawyer Kinderland is guided by the spirit of his dead great-grandfather, a rabbi who fled the violent shtetls of Russia for the relative peace and hope of America. Kinderland’s heritage and its beliefs in pacifism and the sanctity of human life are challenged by Westfall and his crimes.
"Thirdly, we see the media coverage, political machinations, and strong personal emotions that surround the court case and create a miasma that precludes objectivity and understanding.
"Sons of the Revolution is an epic play achieved with just thirteen actors. Many performers are given the chance to play two or more strong, varying roles. Characters encompass two centuries in the Unites States’ past. Overlapping scenes and non-linear structure combine with brisk storytelling to create a unique theatrical experience. A very successful workshop at the Maitland Jewish Community Center was roundly praised for its complexity, wit, and balanced insight.
"Sons of the Revolution is an absorbing script about domestic terrorism, American history, and the agendizing of violence into national and personal ideologies. It is not a play that offers easy answers, but instead provides challenging questions in an entertaining and dynamic drama."
Well, all of that may not make it on the back cover of the DVD. But this is what Steve submitted to PRT that ultimately aided in the play being chosen. Him be writing good, ain't he?
"Defendant William Westfall is a highly decorated Marine found guilty of domestic terrorism. After being honorably discharged after Operation Desert Storm, Westfall comes home to mysterious medical illnesses. He also finds the US Veteran’s Administration unable or unwilling to provide answers. A year after Westfall’s tour of duty, his wife gives birth to a severely deformed child. As Westfall’s marriage falls apart and his daughter’s health slowly fails, the soldier’s frustration, rage, and sense of powerlessness culminate in an act of terrorism against his country.
"Sons of the Revolution opens after Westfall has been found guilty. Attorney Kinderland is making a last plea for Westfall’s life before the sentencing phase. Kinderland praises the Marine’s service and appeals to the hearts and minds of an unseen jury. Slowly an expansive odyssey emerges that traces defendant Westfall’s own ancestry through every major US war or conflict since the beginning of the nation. The “ghosts” of Westfall’s family tree emerge to complete a tale of American military service, US history, and its accompanying violence.
"Simultaneously, lawyer Kinderland is guided by the spirit of his dead great-grandfather, a rabbi who fled the violent shtetls of Russia for the relative peace and hope of America. Kinderland’s heritage and its beliefs in pacifism and the sanctity of human life are challenged by Westfall and his crimes.
"Thirdly, we see the media coverage, political machinations, and strong personal emotions that surround the court case and create a miasma that precludes objectivity and understanding.
"Sons of the Revolution is an epic play achieved with just thirteen actors. Many performers are given the chance to play two or more strong, varying roles. Characters encompass two centuries in the Unites States’ past. Overlapping scenes and non-linear structure combine with brisk storytelling to create a unique theatrical experience. A very successful workshop at the Maitland Jewish Community Center was roundly praised for its complexity, wit, and balanced insight.
"Sons of the Revolution is an absorbing script about domestic terrorism, American history, and the agendizing of violence into national and personal ideologies. It is not a play that offers easy answers, but instead provides challenging questions in an entertaining and dynamic drama."
Well, all of that may not make it on the back cover of the DVD. But this is what Steve submitted to PRT that ultimately aided in the play being chosen. Him be writing good, ain't he?
posted by David Almeida at 5:00 PM
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