Ajax in Iraq

The show Ajax in Iraq goes along with the college's theme, "Legacies of War." Not only does Ajax provide a modern adaptation of the Greek story of Ajax, it also presents testimonials from real-life veterans of the Iraqi war. Although I was interested in the subject matter, I mainly went to see it in support of several friends who are in it. I loved the show - the cast members were well chosen, the sound and lighting designs were fantastic, and the costumes and staging were great. It was definitely thought-provoking. Slightly depressing, but thought-provoking.

In Greek mythology, Ajax and Odysseus were two warriors among many other Grecian soldiers who fought in the Trojan War. Odysseus was given the armor of Achilles as a reward for his efforts, despite Ajax having more substantial contributions to the war. The goddess Athena drove Ajax mad, leading him to slaughter an entire flock of sheep. Teclemessa, a Trojan offered to Ajax for a wife, was distraught and prayed for protection for her son while Ajax was on the war path. Ajax eventually kills himself, though Teclemessa pleads him not to.

Throughout the show, the audience also follows the story of A.J., an American female lieutenant in the Iraqi War. The fact that A.J. is being raped by her superior officer does not manifest itself immediately, though when it is indicated, members of her troop do not confront the situation. Once the despair and hopelessness of the situation sink in, it is too late - A.J. has already gone mad and killed an Iraqi shepherd's flock. Before she is arrested, she gives a picture of her son to a friend and tells her friend to tell her son that his picture was the only thing she valued. Eventually A.J. escapes and commits suicide. 

At her funeral, her comrades comment on various aspects of her death and it is revealed that A.J. only had a couple weeks left on her tour. The gravity of the undisclosed events leading up to her suicide weighs heavily on the audience as the troop exits offstage and Athena reappears, surrounding the gravesite. 

I am grateful I was able to see it before Veterans' day, because it gave me a better perspective on veterans. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a popular topic associated with veterans, but what about joblessness or homelessness? There are things that we as fellow citizens and compassionate people can do for the veterans that have put themselves in harm's way for us whether or not they "needed" to. Society can discuss war in the realm of politics all it wants, but the fact of the matter is, soldiers are people that are placed in a range of dangerous situations for one reason or another. Without them, others could/would be drafted and placed there against their will. The least I can do is thank them for their service, whether or not it is their designated day.