Play Details
Context
Artistic Director
Dominic Cooke
Co-production with Out Of Joint
Dates Performed
Thursday 17th July 2008
Latitude Festival
Form
Play Details
Synopsis
A series of interconnected short plays exploring the impacts of war, terrorism, and Western intervention on both civilians and soldiers.
Mark Ravenhill’s “Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat” is a cycle of short plays that examine the effects of war, terrorism, and Western intervention on society. The plays range from depicting civilians in war-torn areas to soldiers struggling with their experiences, and “good” citizens grappling with fear and prejudice. Themes of democracy, freedom, and “core values” are repeated throughout, often ironically contrasted with acts of violence or oppression.
The cycle uses a variety of theatrical styles, from naturalistic dialogue to more abstract or surreal scenes. Ravenhill’s trademark dark humor and biting satire are evident throughout, as he critiques the rhetoric used to justify war and the often misguided attempts to “bring democracy” to other nations. The plays also explore personal trauma, fear, and the breakdown of relationships in the face of global conflict.