Guantanamo: Honor Bound to Defend Freedom'

The verbatim theatre trend in England (part of the same trend that earlier gave us the work of Anna Deavere Smith and The Laramie Project) has produced this important entry into the body of political theatre. But as political theatre goes, it pulls its punches. While its acquittal of British nationals in Gitmo is a compelling and trenchant critique of American policy, it builds its critique not on basic human rights, but on the notion that these figures are in fact innocent. Which leaves open the possibility that the terrorists who may be incarcerated in Guantanamo may be guilty, and may deserve the abuse they get. It's an open question, sure, but this play doesn't address that problem head on, and since most of the figures it depicts have since been released, it's already something of a period piece.

Notice the quotes. The title indicates the underlying irony of our official's apologetics for torture. How do we defend freedom by denying it? This play very eloquently uses our own officials' words in exposing the horror which is Guantanamo. This play was well received in London, and reviewed in our national magazines. It's success and even comprehension is less assured here in the USA, the perpetrator of torture on Guantanamo Bay and the victim of our officials' domestic disinformation and propaganda. For further study on this important topic, please read Margulies' book entitled Guantanamo, and Dr. Miles book Oath Betrayed about the doctors who assist our torture.