College to Stage Play Examining Vietnam War

Eight Moorpark College students are going to war--onstage.

“Tracers,” a play about a platoon of American soldiers tramping through the jungles of Vietnam, debuts Friday in the school’s main theater. It runs through Sunday and again Oct. 21 through 24.

“They are constantly confronted with their deaths,” said director Katherine Lewis. “In a way, we all look at our own deaths every day of our lives. I hope, when the audience leaves, that they can feel what that’s like.”

The play’s point of view constantly shifts from the platoon, where the camaraderie is portrayed, to flashback scenes with individual soldiers. It is during these monologues that the war’s psychological effects are drawn out.

In an attempt to add perspective, a panel of Vietnam veterans will entertain questions from the audience after the matinee performances Oct. 21 and 22.

“Tracers” will be at the college’s main theater at 8 p.m. Friday and Sunday and at 7 p.m. Saturday. It can also be seen at 1:30 and 8 p.m. Oct. 21 and 22 and at 8 p.m. Oct. 24. For more information or for tickets, call 378-1485.