In 2006, Trinity Rep told the true, poignant stories of Rhode Islanders deployed in Iraq with the play Boots on the Ground. Nearly 20 years later, they now ask important questions as this legacy lives on. What have we forgotten? How have these very different people come together to heal? Someone Will Remember Us interlaces the real-life testimonies of US military Veterans, a Gold Star family, Iraqi civilians, and resettled refugees living in Rhode Island. As military conflict wages on multiple fronts across the world, this meaningful production, directed by Christopher Windom, and created by Dr. Michelle Cruz, Deborah Salem Smith and Charlie Thurston, paints a moving portrait of the innumerable tolls of war, and how we find connection through our shared humanity.
“When we did Boots on the Ground soon after the US invaded Iraq, everything about the war felt sudden— changing individuals, families, and entire communities,” says Someone Will Remember Us and Boots on the Ground playwright Salem Smith. “Two decades later, we still have troops in Iraq. Those touched by the war are still coming to terms with the profound impact it has on their lives and the lives of others. I am struck by the fact that, although there are heartbreaking moments in these stories, there is also humor, sweetness, and hope. It has been such an honor to meet so many incredible people, both for the original project, and now many years later for this new play.”
Interspersed between tragic stories are the comedic backstories from these individuals, intertwining them with a common thread. The eight-person ensemble portrays multiple roles throughout the production as they circulate around the stage sharing snippets of their experiences. They execute their lines with precision heartbreak and comedic delivery. Especially notable are Allison Jones (Millareisha), and Ashley Aldarondo (Angelica), who have us in stitches from the start, yet leave us with barely a dry eye in the place. The cast also features resident company members Stephen Thorne and Rachael Warren, returning guest artists Jihan Haddad and Dereks Thomas, and the Trinity Rep debuts of Josephine Moshiri Elwood and Jade Ziane.
The setting is reminiscent of a bus or airport terminal, with rows of adjoined chairs, and sliding glass partitions creating entrances and exits (scenic design by Tanya Orellana). Light cases with words or years on them (think Wheel of Fortune) light up and ding as the characters indicate a year, timeframe or place (lighting design by Emma Deane). You have a good indication of who the characters are before they speak, as they wear a uniform, or garb from their country of origin (costume design by Shahrzad Mazaheri).
“This show is incredibly necessary right now because it is about how people have a remarkable ability to come together after conflict,” says the Laura H. Harris Artistic Director Curt Columbus. “It shows us that no matter what side of a conflict someone is on, people face the same struggles and consequences. It shows Rhode Islanders and their stories from a global perspective and gives us hope for the future.”
In Someone Will Remember Us, lives shaped by war— whether on the front lines or caught in the crossfire— unite in shared resilience. Experience the powerful, humorous, heart-wrenching, and heartwarming stories of Someone Will Remember Us. Contains discussions of death during armed conflict, violence against political opposition, mourning a (grown) child, PTSD and trauma experienced by veterans and civilians.
Now playing through February 23. Run time is about an hour and 45 minutes with no intermission. For more information, visit https://www.trinityrep.com/.