Thursday, October 16

Black Watch

On Thursday, October 16th, a group of LGS students and faculty went to see Black Watch.  It was a spectacular play, written by Gregory Burke and directed by John Tiffany. The show was held in Brooklyn at the St. Ann’s Warehouse. Black Watch was a captivating political and social drama performed by the National Theater of Scotland. The actors did an excellent job of portraying the emotions and physical appearances of the soldiers in Iraq.

Since the play took place at a warehouse, the actors did not perform on a typical stage; they performed on the floor which separated two groups of audiences facing each other. This setting allowed the audience to see the actors from different viewpoints, giving the illusion of watching a film. Black Watch is based on interviews with former soldiers who served in Iraq--they provide a first-hand account of the legendary Scottish regiment’s heart-warming and memorable actions that showed what it meant to be one of the main components of those fighting the “war on terror” and of those who made the journey home again.

The performance was absolutely amazing. Through the dialogue, sounds, lighting and music, the play showed the perfect balance between showing the actions of war and the culture of Scotland. Our own busy, everyday schedules often make us forget about the war and the brave soldiers who are fighting for us; we often forget what they are going through. This play allowed the audience to see and feel the emotions of the soldiers in war. Simply put, Black Watch is a must see!

Written by Roshini Givergis
Edited by Yoko Liriano


Towards the end of my high school career, I can remember talking to my friends about what they planned to do after graduating.  Some had jobs lined up, a few wanted to travel, but most had applied to college. Two of my friends, however, decided to enlist, and both attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. What would their experiences be like once they go abroad? What will they see, and how will they feel? What will be the glue that keeps their troop together, and who will be there to watch them fall? The play Black Watch provided an insight into soldiers’ lives amidst the War in Iraq.

While the young men portrayed in the play were not American, their experiences in Iraq are similar to those of American troops. Just like our young men and women serving over seas, the young boys of the Black Watch were not defending their home country of Scotland, but practically invading another.  The play gave a first person account of events during their tour, as well as a look at their lives upon returning home.  It was shocking to learn that the Scottish Government confidently “lost” the medical papers of soldiers suffering from conditions such as PTSD and sent them back on additional tours, similarly to the accusations against the US.  

The Scottish accents were easy to understand, and I was able to relate to the actors. It was also great how they gave a short but informative 300 year long history of the Black Watch, which further strengthened their message of feeling like invaders in another country. The play illustrated the difficulties of fighting a war on the “enemy’s” native turf, and the moral dilemma of serving one’s homeland by fighting the foe that never attacked Scotland in the first place. Over all, it was a great way to hear the stories of returning soldiers, and a glimpse at a scene within the huge theater of war in the Middle East.

Written by Matthew Sanfilippo
Edited by Yana Kusayeva