Local War Veteran Writes Play About Service in Military 2/10-13

When local war veteran, Hal Parrott wrote the play, "DUTY", he knew exactly what he wanted to say. There was never a doubt in his mind about the points that would be argued or questions asked. "The only question," he said, "was how much resolution I would give to each argument."

Parrott, who served as a Marine infantry officer in Vietnam, brings an insight shared by many thousands of American combat veterans. "People who have witnessed or participated in the destruction of other humans in battle are forever affected, and parents who lose children in combat are never made whole," says Parrott.

In real life, Hal was severely wounded while serving as a rifle platoon commander. During his recovery and subsequent return to civilian life he was moved by the sacrifices which continued to be made by American service members.

"This country may have more combat veterans than any nation on earth," Parrott said, "and each one has a story to tell. They each have conclusions about the cost of their service. And each veteran has strong feelings about their children entering the armed forces."

In the play, "DUTY" cast members argue about obligation to country and family. They question the cost of military service to the people who serve and their families. They argue about moral issues concerning fidelity and honor. Their conclusions bring conflict and tragedy to their lives.

"They struggle to do the right thing," says Parrot, "and for them it ends badly. To me, this is an American tragedy. Many young men and women today are unable to find jobs. They turn to military service as an honorable financial remedy. This decision to join and often fight is reinforced by generations of family members who have served in the armed forces. This sense of honorable service is clouded by the moral ambiguity created by political forces."

"DUTY", brings some of these issues to the stage in a gripping and compelling fashion. Mark Edelmann, Broadway Show producer and long-time president of Kansas City based Theater League, called the play, "...a parable for our time...as real as the evening news."

Audience members who saw the play in its first run at the Fringe Central were often touched by the drama. Many cried in the final scene of every performance. Parrott said, "We had talk-back sessions with our audiences after each performance. And I was so pleased to hear the kind things said about our effort. Many mothers spoke about their children currently serving. And fathers would talk about their service, or the service of their brother or fathers. And they talked about how real the play was. How real the words and feelings are."

And so, the play "DUTY" now comes to a bigger stage.
The play will run from February 10 through 13 at the Off Center Theatre in Crown Center. Thursday-Saturday 7:30pm. Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $20 and indoor parking is free. Tickets can be purchase by calling 816-842-9999
or online at www.crowncenter.com.

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