Ethics and the Theater- Defiance by John Patrick Shanley September 21, 2012

As in his earlier play, Doubt, Shanley takes on a hierarchical institution that demands unthinking obedience. The time is 1971 and the place the U.S. Marines’ Camp Lejeune, in North Carolina. Tensions are high as combat veterans who have returned from Vietnam mix with recent recruits, and black soldiers with white. The commanding officer is determined to put an end to a spate of ugly racial incidents, seeing this both as his duty and as a path to promotion. When he enlists in the cause a young black officer and the new chaplain, human weakness collides with rigid official protocol and unforgiving codes of conduct.

Come at 6:30 for a wine and cheese reception and, after the reading, participate in a discussion of the ethical issues of the play.

Entry to our 100-year-old building and meeting rooms is available for most wheelchair users with prior arrangements. Please call ahead (212-874-5210 x 107) for setup of our portable system and plan to arrive one hour before start time.

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