Happy Birthday, Wanda June: History Repeats...Again
Written by Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Directed by Rachel Chavkin
Essentially the only play Vonnegut ever published, Happy Birthday, Wanda June is a piece that examines the changing of idealism in America during the Vietnam War, and questions the role violence plays in American heroism while simultaneously illustrating the futility of blind pacifism.
The goal of our production is to draw correlations between that time period and today, in which once again soldiers are returning home from a war of questionable ideals to a society that both praises and condemns their morals and actions. As with many great literary works, Wanda June provides no clear solutions, but hopefully inspires an audience to reevaluate its role in society, and its society’s role in the larger world. .
Happy Birthday, Wanda June performed at the Access Theater in the Spring of 2004. The show recieved rave reviews, and also featured a rare talk-back by the author (Kurt Vonnegut Jr.) after the opening night performance. Academy Award Winner, Tim Robbins, also made an appearance and shared many kind words with the cast and company.
Written by Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Directed by Rachel Chavkin
Essentially the only play Vonnegut ever published, Happy Birthday, Wanda June is a piece that examines the changing of idealism in America during the Vietnam War, and questions the role violence plays in American heroism while simultaneously illustrating the futility of blind pacifism.
The goal of our production is to draw correlations between that time period and today, in which once again soldiers are returning home from a war of questionable ideals to a society that both praises and condemns their morals and actions. As with many great literary works, Wanda June provides no clear solutions, but hopefully inspires an audience to reevaluate its role in society, and its society’s role in the larger world. .
Happy Birthday, Wanda June performed at the Access Theater in the Spring of 2004. The show recieved rave reviews, and also featured a rare talk-back by the author (Kurt Vonnegut Jr.) after the opening night performance. Academy Award Winner, Tim Robbins, also made an appearance and shared many kind words with the cast and company.
INSIDE THE SHOW
Why "Wanda June"?
Notes from the company
as to the reasons behind selecting this play
Vietnam, an Odyssey
The Dramaturgical info behind the production
Extra! Extra!
See what people and publications have to say about the production
Photo Gallery
A selection of pictures
taken from the show
Why "Wanda June"?
Notes from the company
as to the reasons behind selecting this play
Vietnam, an Odyssey
The Dramaturgical info behind the production
Extra! Extra!
See what people and publications have to say about the production
Photo Gallery
A selection of pictures
taken from the show