The premise of “Stuff Happens” is terrifying: a dramatic reenactment of the build-up to the Iraq War, it could easily have turned into an overdone farce. Instead, the play is more of a thought-provoking documentary than a satire, weaving together detailed research with remarkably unbiased and restrained speculation about what happens behind closed doors. “Stuff Happens” is a powerful and intricately choreographed commentary that is still shocking despite the topic’s familiarity.
Under the direction of Professor Derek A. Goldman, Director of the Theater and Performance Studies Program, the students in the play come off as well-trained professionals. No character is left two-dimensional, and the actors pull off a variety of accents—everything from British and French to Pakistani and Iraqi—remarkably well. The accents sound genuine, and while a few actors actually bear resemblance to their political counterparts, all manage to look the part with the assistance of well-tailored suits, some silver hairspray and a good comb over.
As President George W. Bush, Clark Young (COL ‘09) has high expectations to fulfill, and he surpasses them. Young captures all of Bush’s verbal and physical quirks, everything from the furrowed left brow to the quiet half-stutter/half-laugh, and maintains a powerful presence on stage despite his “aw-shucks” Texas charm. Mike Mitchell (COL ‘10) steals the show as Tony Blair, with his spot-on accent and heart-wrenching portrayal of the embattled Brit. Even though he’s a prime minister, Blair is trapped and defenseless, drowning in political power plays.
Playwright David Hare’s insightful perspective on the Iraq War hasn’t lost its power since “Stuff Happens” premiered in 2004. The time that has passed since then only makes the play more haunting, as the audience knows the details of the unwritten epilogue and cannot warn the characters of their impending catastrophe.
“Stuff Happens” runs Thursday through Sunday this weekend and Wednesday through Saturday next weekend. Tickets are $7. For more information or to purchase tickets visit performingarts.georgetown.edu.
