Summary

“Stuff happens and it’s untidy, and freedom’s untidy, and free people are free to make mistakes and commit crimes and do bad things.” The American Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld’s famous response to the looting of Baghdad, at a press conference on April 11, 2003, provides the title for this play about the extraordinary process leading up to the invasion of Iraq. How does the world settle its differences, now that there is only one superpower? What happens to leaders risking their credibility with skeptical publics? From events that dominated international headlines, David Hare fashioned both a historical narrative and a human drama about the frustrations of power and the limits of diplomacy. Featuring the BFA in Acting for Stage & Screen Junior Class.

Performance Dates & Times

Thursday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 19 at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 19 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 20 at 2:30 p.m.

Ticketing

Tickets will be available in early January 2025.

Parking

Guests attending USC School of Dramatic Arts performances are given a parking discount, please refer to your ticket confirmation email for necessary codes and instructions on how to access the discount.

Content Warning

Please be advised that this production depicts historical events. There are discussions of war, terrorism and death, as well as the depictions of white supremacy and colonialism.

More About the Production

Second Stage Productions put the spotlight on the actors and the text. They are unique learning experiences for students, giving the BFA Acting and Musical Theatre students performance opportunities that demand a heightened focus on the craft and a deeper connection to the text and with their cohort. Tickets to these performances are free, but reservations are required.