'Grassroots Theater'
RLT SecondStage Opens With Vietnam-Era Drama
Last updated Thursday, August 7, 2008 5:50 PM CDT in Weekend
By Becca Bacon Martin
Rehearsal photos by Josh Dooley
The Morning News
"This is about as grassroots theater as it gets," Tom Pyron says of the play he's directing.
"Medal of Honor Rag" is the first in the Rogers Little Theater SecondStage Series, described as "edgy shows for folks who want more than comedy and musicals when they attend the theater."
"We started our rehearsal schedule in the apartment next door to mine (which happened to be vacant)," Pyron continues. "But if I didn't have that, I would have rehearsed in some park somewhere! We're pulling things out of the woodwork to make this happen, so resourcefulness is a good thing to have when directing a no-budget show."
While the challenges are many, Pyron says the rewards are worth it.
"Since an adolescent, I've always been fascinated with the Vietnam War. To me it was a major turning point of change for our culture, and I believe its effects have lasted both positively and negatively.
"But with age comes maturity, and an ability to understand deeper aspects of life. Doing this piece started out as a statement, but it has become more of an education. With every rehearsal there comes a new level of familiarity with a generation that still feels betrayed, and for that I am thankful."
"The rewards ... are mainly seeing things through the eyes of that generation, but also witnessing the passion that has evolved in the actors," he continues.
"Jack Krupka (Doctor) jumped on the opportunity; however, Justin Stewart (D.J., the story's main character) had a more challenging time relating to his character because he obviously wasn't alive then. As a director, his evolution into this character has absolutely flabbergasted me. He has completely changed every part of himself to pull this off."
The drama, performed in one act, is based on the true story of Medal of Honor winner Dwight Johnson and the tragedy that ended his life.
"It's been very interesting learning about the individual characters' real lives, attempting to imagine their experience, and then guiding the actors down that path," Pyron says. "I only hope I'm doing them justice."
Here, Pyron and the actors discuss the show in a Morning News Q&A:
Q. Why did you want to direct (or appear in) this show?
Tom Pyron (director, producer and Guard): Several reasons actually, I'll give you two:
A) Since an adolescent, I've always been fascinated with the Vietnam War. To me it was a major turning point of change for our culture, and I believe its effects have lasted both positively and negatively. The best research paper I've ever written was one in high school about the 1968 Tet Offensive. But with age comes maturity, and an ability to understand deeper aspects of life. Doing this piece started out as a statement, but has become more of an education. With every rehearsal there comes a new level of familiarity with a generation that still feels betrayed, and for that I am thankful.
I believe that many of the era's vets still feel alone, and they don't talk with others about their experiences. Maybe they speak to me more because I am from a younger generation and they want to pass on their story, maybe its because they are alone and can't relate to anyone, like D.J. What I know is that each and every one of them just want a little gratitude, and maybe a little remembrance to go along with it. This is my way of saying thanks. Not just to the Vietnam vets, but to all veterans.
B) Troop mental health care: A recent USA Today article stated that troop suicides this year are at an all time high since the U.S. Army began recording that statistic in 1980. That being said, I think it is extremely important that we, as a served people, pay close attention to our loved ones returning home from conflict zones, and recognize their cries for help. D.J. exhibited the signs, but no one paid attention. It is our duty as family members and friends, to ensure D.J.'s story does not happen again.
Justin Stewart (Dale "D.J." Jackson): When I found out it was a story that related to war, that was really exciting to me, and after I read the script, I was blown away.
Jack Krupka (Doctor): I grew up during this time in our country. Though, I did not serve I have many strong recollections of that time and the war, along with the emotions that I felt. From the time I was 10 years old to when I was 18, I would watch the news in the evening with my parents and see the images of what was happening in Vietnam on a daily basis. And then every week, I would read in the newspaper the body counts for the U.S. casualties, those of the allies and for the VC/NVA. It was continuously a part of our lives.
My older brother's best friend was drafted and served in the infantry in Vietnam and was often assigned to be the point while on patrol. When he returned home, he was radically different. He was such a funny, energetic guy growing up, but when he returned he was distant and sullen.
Also, my father worked for the Veterans Administration for 25 years after serving in World War II. He worked in various areas of a VA hospital, but the last few years was assigned to the 'psych' ward. At the dinner table he always related stories of his day. Prior to working in the psych ward the stories he would relate were often humorous, and I could tell he enjoyed what he did. But that changed when he was assigned to the psych ward. The stories were not pleasant. These were stressful times for my dad, and eventually caused him to take early retirement.
Q: What special challenges/rewards come with the new SecondStage series? What special challenges/rewards come with this show?
Pyron: Budget - or lack thereof. This is about as grassroots theater as it gets. We started our rehearsal schedule in the apartment next door to mine (which happened to be vacant). But if I didn't have that, I would have rehearsed in some park somewhere. We're pulling things out of the woodwork to make this happen, so resourcefulness is a good thing to have when directing a no-budget show.
The rewards that come with it are mainly seeing things through the eyes of that generation, but also witnessing the passion that has evolved in the actors. Jack Krupka (Doctor) jumped on the opportunity, however, Justin Stewart (D.J., the story's main character) had a more challenging time relating to his character because he obviously wasn't alive then. As a director, his evolution into this character has absolutely flabbergasted me. He has completely changed every part of himself to pull this off. Jack and I worked together in "12 Angry Men," where he impressed me very much, and I knew he would bring to the table the necessary tools to make this character original. They are both all ears, yet bring their vision to the drawing board as well. It has been a true joy to work with them. We three mesh well as artists, and they have helped bring back that sense of a collaborative ensemble.
Stewart: For me, the show has been a challenge to go from one extreme to the next with my performance. He's a very intricate and detailed character.
Krupka: Challenges: Short time to prepare while working full time, and trying to have a home life, too. Basically, it is a two man play, so we're on stage the entire time with continuous dialog. There is little room for error. Because the play is a one act play, the story develops quickly and intensely, so we have to be fully engaged right from the start.
Q. What kind of research and/or discussion happened because this is based on a true story?
Pyron: Initially, quite a bit of statistical research, and studying the fashion and military uniforms of the time. Eventually though, it all boils down to character. This is where the cultural research comes in, and there is so much involved with that, too much to talk about here. I prefer to direct from this perspective as well. Technical directing has its place, but helping the actors create the inner monologues or imaginary movies that are going through these character's minds was the really fun part. Both Jack and Justin were highly open (and preferred) this type of character work as well, and I think it has really paid off. It's been very interesting learning about the individual characters real lives, attempting to imagine their experience, and then guiding the actors down that path. I only hope I'm doing them justice.
Several times after a rehearsal we have simply sat at a table and shared our thoughts. Not only about the show, but of the times, and of people we meet or know who were adults then (1971). Jack was in high school then, so he has been an open book of ideas. This is a hugely helpful resource to have as a director, to be able to direct someone who was alive during the time of the story you are trying to tell.
Stewart: To kind of get into that mindset, I looked at any movie I could find that related to the Vietnam era. It was such a tough time, and I had to find a way to relate to that.
Krupka: When considering doing the play, I searched online for reviews and summaries. Through this research I was able to read about the Medal of Honor winner on which the play was based. I read the speeches associated with the presentation of the medal and saw the pictures and short biography on this man. Just as a side note: His story sounded very much like a song written by Harry Chapin that is titled "Bummer," which was released in the same year as this play. This song has stuck with me throughout my years after hearing it in the late '70's. It is a more romanticized version of the story, but I am certain it is about the same man.
Q. What does the audience need to know coming in?
Pyron: They need to know that this is a story about one man's experience in Vietnam, but it has a major correlation to today's conflicts. It is not a story for the faint of heart, but a raw representation of the long-term effects war has on generations on come.
Stewart: The audience needs to expect there will be some very graphic language used. They're going to hear about some uncomfortable things. They're going to see some aggression. But it's definitely a show that should keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time.
Krupka: Realistic mental images of the brutality of war and strong language.
Q. What do you hope they know or feel going out?
Pyron: I hope they have a better understanding of the unspoken suffering that takes place with our troops every day, from today's wars and from past ones. I hope they understand that help is out there, and that they can help their loved ones serving our country get it.
Stewart: Even though Vietnam happened 30 years ago, I hope they feel the need to support our troops when they come home from Iraq.
Krupka: Personally, I am not looking to make a statement of any kind. Quite simply, we are telling a story based upon a real person. On one hand, it is entertainment. On the other, it is reality.
