SE to stage play despite terrorist theme
by Brian Shults, se news editor

    Once an abettor of terrorism, Steve Porter is trying to resolve family strife and understand his past in SE Campus’ production of Domestic Issues by Corrine Jacker.

    A husband, a brother, a bomb-maker and an angry misanthrope with a dark past typify Steve.

    Exiled from America for building bombs, Steve (played by Dru Rivera) receives amnesty through his brother Larry (Eddie Zertuche) to return to the capitalist government he despises.

    After returning to live with Larry and his sister-in-law Sue (Sarah Hemadi) in Chicago, his commitment to peace collides with the radical politics of his wife Ellen (Tamara Fuller) and the intrigue of a local reporter, Nancy Graham (Holland Sanders).

    “Steve is a reformed terrorist torn in every direction. He must decide to join his brother’s construction business or become a terrorist again with his wife. Until he accidentally kills his close friend George Allison (David Vieira), he is not remorseful. He is against capitalism,” Rivera said.

     A bomb designed by Steve inadvertently kills Allison, who later haunts him at his Chicago residence.

    More than terrorism, Domestic Issues delves into the internal conflicts of a disparate family. Estranged by time, violence and opinions, they endeavor to overcome basic human issues.

    Because of the circumstances surrounding the recent attacks on the United States, the play, which was selected months ago, aroused concern among the cast and faculty.

    “What is going on in America and the play is an evolving story. It’s not a healed wound; it’s still hurting. We were very conscious of that. We decided to limit the performances within the confines of what is best for the community,” John Shafer, the director, said.

    Performances of Domestic Issues will be limited to two and closed to the general public.

    “Out of respect and care for those members of our community who may still be grieving, and in the spirit of the theater, no tickets will be sold,” Shafer said.

    Students and faculty of the political science, theater, sociology, psychology and art departments are invited free of charge. The play will be Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 8 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m. in the Roberson Theatre.

    Faculty-led discussions will precede the play to address any personal opinions about the production and grievances surrounding the recent events in New York and Washington, D.C., Shafer said.

    Because of consideration for the victims of America’s tragedy, donations will be accepted and given to the American Red Cross.
Sanders said current events had the most effect on the decision.

    “As we began the play, terrorism always seemed so distant. It was not something that stares you in the face like AIDS, but as of a few days ago it became shockingly real,” he said.

    Zertuche explained some of the emotions the cast faced.

    “After the attacks, I worried a lot. I have a few friends in New York, but the play is not that extreme, and we are doing it with a sense of awareness,” he said.

    Shafer said, “The theater department emphasizes care with its production and has made an elegant choice to continue.”

    Domestic Issues is also the SE theater department’s selection for the Ameri-can College Theatre Festival. Shafer and cast are performing it at the Kennedy Center in Washing-ton, D.C.

    Originally the play was produced at the Circle Repertory Theatre Company in New York City.

    Other contributors to the production include James Yeager, technical director; Joshua Cox, lighting designer; Damon Anderson, scenic designer; Genevieve Croft, costume designer; Travis Head, stage make-up designer; Dana Nelson, set crew chief, and Jaclyn Townly, stage manager.

    Because of emotional intensity, violence and a small amount of profanity, the show is recommended for mature audiences only.