OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The Theater of War Productions troupe brought the legendary play “Ajax” to Team Osan May 5 relating themes and hardships of combat in an ancient age with situations modern military personnel still deal with today.
More than 2,500 years ago, Greek playwright and general Sophocles wrote “Ajax,” the story of a great war hero, and performed it for thousands of soldier citizens. During Theater of War, actors Chris Henry Coffee, Reg E. Cathey, and Linda Powell portrayed two of the plays pivotal scenes to show Ajax’s struggles with stress, family, honor and suicide.
“[During the production,] we try to identify things that we can all relate to as human beings,” Coffee said. “I think interactive events like this that encourage people to get up and share things go way beyond the impact of a PowerPoint presentation.”
At the conclusion of the scenes, four Team Osan members came onto the stage to share lessons learned from and stories that relate to the messages in “Ajax.”
After which, the actors turned the microphones toward the crowd to get the attendees reactions and perspectives on what they just watched.
“I think it was great. It really showed that regardless of who you are or how powerful of a person you are, everyone has a weakness,” said Tech. Sgt. Carl Ferrell, production attendee. “And the actors were wonderful. It takes dedication for them to travel around the world to see us. It just means that they care a lot for the military.”
During their time at Osan, the troupe held two readings of the play, marking their 386th and 387th “Ajax’ performance.
“This is our first time in South Korea, and we are just so honored and happy to be here,” Coffee said. “I thought it went great. The audience was phenomenal, and it’s always great to have a full house.”