Stuck in the Middle with You

As the golem that is the Iraq War continues to lumber on, sinking further and further away from public view, stories like Betrayed are more important than ever. The play by embedded journalist George Packer doesn’t linger on the hows or whys of the war, nor does it attempt to...

By John Linn

September 11, 2008

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As the golem that is the Iraq War continues to lumber on, sinking further and further away from public view, stories like Betrayed are more important than ever. The play by embedded journalist George Packer doesn’t linger on the hows or whys of the war, nor does it attempt to elicit some response from the left or right. Instead, it tells a tale that is far more emotional. Adapted from Packer’s incredible story in the New Yorker, Betrayed is the story of three Iraqi translators working in the U.S. Green Zone but living in the Red Zone in Baghdad. These idealistic Iraqis hope to use their skills to help the U.S. realize its vision of a free Iraq. But as the war drags on and their allegiances come into question, their positions in the embassy threaten their lives. Seen as traitors by their own countrymen and terrorists by the Americans, these once-hopeful translators have nowhere to turn.

Drawn from actual transcripts from Packer’s time in Iraq, Betrayed is a must-see, regardless of your political affiliation. And this weekend is your last chance — the play concludes its run on Sunday. Catch it at 8 p.m. each night until then at Gablestage (at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables). Tickets cost $37.50. Call 305-445-1119, or visit www.gablestage.org.
Sept. 11-14, 2008

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