The Philadelphia Fringe Festival, running from Sept. 8-27 is set to showcase two compelling plays that delve into the lives and struggles of veterans. These performances offer a unique perspective on the sacrifices and challenges faced by those who have served in the military.
The festival features Not Without Her Stories: Her Service Comes With A Sacrifice Too a play written by retired nurse and Army medic Jody Austin and Waiting for Westy a production by playwright Joshua Crone. Both plays aim to bring attention to the often-overlooked experiences of veterans.
Not Without Her Stories: Honoring Women Veterans
Not Without Her Stories is a poignant exploration of the lives of four women who meet in base camp and form a lasting bond throughout their service and beyond. The play, co-written with Tiffani Dean incorporates poetry and music to tell their stories. Austin, who served in Operations Desert Storm, Desert Shield and Southern Watch draws from her own experiences as a medic to create a deeply personal narrative.
The play highlights the unique challenges faced by women veterans, including the struggle for justice and the difficulties of reintegrating into civilian life. Austin emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these experiences, stating, Our needs are unique. The play also touches on the issue of sexual assault in the military, a topic that resonates deeply with Austin and reflects current cases.
Austin’s journey from the military to her current role as a playwright has been marked by her commitment to raising awareness about the experiences of women veterans. Her work at a Veterans Administration hospital and her personal struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have informed her writing and her dedication to this cause.
Waiting for Westy: A Glimpse into Vietnam Veterans’ Lives
Waiting for Westy offers a unique perspective on the lives of Vietnam veterans, focusing on a group of vets gathered at the Doyle-Gerszewski Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8051 clubhouse in South Philadelphia. The play is set in 1987 on the eve of the dedication of the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with Gen. William Childs Westmoreland scheduled to appear.
Crone, a former Marine turned playwright, was inspired by the true story of the vets’ refusal to let Westmoreland into the clubhouse. The play explores the complex feelings of Vietnam veterans towards Westmoreland, particularly their anger over the 1968 siege of Khe Sanh where 274 troops were killed and 2,500 were wounded. Crone’s production aims to capture the raw emotions and experiences of these veterans, providing a unique insight into their lives.
The play is performed at the Yellow Bicycle Theater located above a restaurant on the second floor of a building at 15th and Arch streets. Crone has created an immersive experience for the audience, complete with a bar and a pool table, allowing them to feel as if they are part of the VFW clubhouse.
Both plays serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of war on those who serve. They offer a platform for veterans to share their stories and for audiences to gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and challenges they face.
The Philadelphia Fringe Festival is a celebration of the arts, and these two plays are a testament to the power of theater to bring important stories to life. Whether you are a veteran, a theater enthusiast, or simply someone looking to broaden your horizons, these performances are not to be missed.
