Mama Mama Can’t You See is a trip back in time to Operation Iraqi Freedom and one of the men who survived a deadly explosion in Iraq near the Euphrates River
Written by playwright Cecilia Fairchild and U.S. Marine veteran Stan Mayer, who served five tours, is an authentically told story about war and his recalling a deadly explosion he experienced during his first tour in Iraq.
Mayer’s truck was blown up by a suicide bomber in 2005. His friends died while he survived. Left with the memory of that day forever.
The play takes the audience on a journey of the dangers of “freedom” and the mental toll it takes on those defending it.
The eight-member ensemble tells the story from the perspective of Mayer and three Marines from the war in Iraq (Julian Juaquin, Ryan Nebreja, and Zack Rocklin-Waltch) and four sex workers from the U.S. Civil War (Marguerite French, Kathleen Leary, Carene Rose Mekertichyan, and Hannah Trujillo) who weave melodic songs throughout the performance to depict
The story is authentically told and can be heart wrenching for those who see it, particularly those who have had loved ones deployed to serve their country.
Carene Rose Mekertichyan, Hannah Trujillo
Photo by Meredith Adelaide
The women take on the role of easing the pain of the war through their sexual prowess which allows the men to escape the danger that surrounds them at every turn. They morph from mother, wife, and lover seamlessly all providing that much needed sounding board the men need to make it through each day.
According to director Zach Davidson, “We’re recontextualizing the classic war story. This play isn’t about the war itself, but how we make sense of the moments that shape us, how our innate connection to each other is a necessary part of our processing. It’s not a pro- or anti-war treatise; it’s a play about being human that requires audiences to engage back with us, exploring time and reality in a way that feels extremely relevant and exciting within the multiverse-heavy, pop-culture zeitgeist.”
Mama Mama Can’t You See is an emotional and raw love letter to mother’s praying their children make it home alive and the pain of those who don’t. It provides a glimpse in the psychological complexities veterans go through during their time away (sleepless nights, the smell of death) and the unwanted images they come home with that at times are misunderstood by others.
Freedom costs.
I had the pleasure of sitting next to Mayer’s mother during one of the performances. She’s blessed to be able to see her son and his work. Other mother’s only have memories.
Please note there are depictions of violence, simulated sex acts, strobe lighting, theatrical haze, and more than a few jarring explosions which could trigger any veteran who is in the audience.
Mama Mama Can’t You See is playing at Studio/Stage, 520 North Western Ave., Los Angeles. Through December 10. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00. Sundays at 7:00. For reservations and information, go here. Arrive early as only street parking is available, and be sure to read signs carefully.
