A Brief guide to the Piccolo play This War is Live

Preview written by NICK SMITH

What is it? A left-leaning documentarian investigates the Armed Forces in Iraq — with shocking results.

Why see it? Plays at Footlight don't get any edgier than this. This War is Live, directed by local theater veteran J.C. Conway, premiered as part of the theater's Late Night program this year. It immediately split audiences between lovers and haters of its movie-style pacing, heart-on-sleeve characters, Bush-baiting, and coarse language. An added dash of nudity and a streak of violence make this a memorable night of theater. As the performers interact with video sequences and documentary-style footage, a serious attempt is made to resurrect the grimy ghost of the Iraq War's early phases.

Who should go? With its ironic humor and fatalistic storyline, the show's aimed squarely at a younger, HBO-watching crowd. Its overt criticism of the war, the media, and the government will have liberals nodding their heads in agreement; conspiracy nuts will love the Deep Throat-style character, Mr. X.

PICCOLO SPOLETO • $15-$20 • 2 hours • June 6 at 9 p.m.; June 8 at 7:30 p.m. • Footlight Players Theatre, 20 Queen St. • (888) 374-2656

JC Conway discusses This War is Live

Late Night @ Footlights director JC Conway discusses This War is Live, a Piccolo Spoleto show that runs through June 8.