Southern Illinois University’s Department of Theater and Dance brought raw emotion and thought-provoking storytelling to the stage with its recent production of “Ajax in Iraq.”

The play, written by Ellen McLaughlin and guest directed by West Virginian theater professor, Omiyẹmi Artisia Green bridges ancient Greek tragedy and modern warfare, exposing the human cost of battle and the invisible wounds soldiers carry long after they leave the field. 

“I believe the play chose me,” Green said, “This isn’t even in my wheelhouse of what I teach or my expertise. But as I continued to read, and I looked at our political climate, it made me really curious.”

This play weaves together the ancient myth of the Greek warrior Ajax with the story of A.J., a contemporary female American soldier deployed during the Iraq War. By placing these narratives side by side, the play examines the persistent psychological and emotional impact of war across time. Themes such as PTSD, sexual violence within the military and the search for meaning amid conflict emerge in both stories, underscoring how the trauma of battle is not confined to any single era. Through this juxtaposition, the play sheds light on the cyclical nature of war and the emotional toll it takes on those who serve and the enduring human cost of warfare of the shared struggles of soldiers past and present.

From the opening scene, Ajax in Iraq pulls audiences into a world of chaos and reflection. The cast’s intensity and vulnerability on stage brought moments of heavy reflection throughout the audience. It wasn’t just a performance—it was an emotional experience that confronted viewers with uncomfortable but necessary truths about war, gender and morality. It has something that everyone can relate to. 

“Everyone’s going to bring a different experience to it, and they’re going to see what resonates, what connects to their life experiences.” Green said. “Whatever you see and whatever you hear — that’s for you. That was the purpose for your attendance.”

The production design also played a vital role in amplifying the emotional experience. Stark lighting, fragmented set pieces and haunting soundscapes evoked both the battlefield and the internal struggles of the characters. Each element worked in harmony to blur the line between ancient myth and modern reality.

What made Ajax in Iraq so impactful was its refusal to offer easy answers. It demanded empathy — both for the mythic hero destroyed by pride and for the modern soldier struggling to find humanity amid chaos.

As the curtain fell, the audience sat in reflective silence — a testament to the play’s power and the cast’s dedication. Ajax in Iraq was not just theater; it was a mirror held up to the soul of war and the people who endure it.

When asked about what the audience should take away from the play, Green said, “My hope is that we leave this place seeing each other better. Deeper.”

Staff reporter Yahri Edmond can be reached at [email protected]

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