Synopsis

A sweltering abandoned compound in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Dust, blood, and the ghosts of empire haunt every corner.

In the oppressive heat of a remote Afghan outpost, British soldiers Gary and Simon grapple with a volatile prisoner, Zia, who claims to be an innocent British citizen caught in the crossfire. As tensions escalate and loyalties blur, Gary’s Afghan counterpart Hafizullah becomes an unlikely voice of conscience. The arrival of devastating news about a fallen comrade pushes Gary to the brink, threatening to shatter the fragile order they’ve imposed.

Moore’s play is a searing exploration of the psychological toll of modern warfare and the lingering specter of imperialism. Through sharp dialogue and moments of unexpected humor, he examines the moral ambiguity of counterinsurgency operations and the ways in which violence can corrupt even those with the best intentions. As the characters navigate a minefield of suspicion, duty, and revenge, “The Empire” asks: In a conflict where the lines between friend and foe are constantly shifting, what remains of our humanity?