“Black Watch” At The Paramount Examines The War On Terror…Through Scottish Eyes

The powerful “Black Watch” is on stage at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre April 25-May 5. Photo: National Theatre of Scotland

It’s the little play that could…“Black Watch” the acclaimed play from the National Theatre of Scotland that has earned rave reviews from audiences and critics around the world, is a taut 110 minute  examination of war through the eyes of the famed Scottish regiment, the Black Watch, and their participation in the 2004 Operation Telic in Iraq and the effects of that battle on the soldiers. Based on interviews with the actual participants, playwright Gregory Burke weaves the story of the men and the horrors of modern warfare with director John Tiffany’s precise staging that includes liberal use of music, song and movement to create a very unique and powerful piece of theater that relates to all sides of the political spectrum.

The winner of 4 Olivier Awards in the UK including Best Play, the US tour of “Black Watch” has earned accolades and the eagerly awaited production settles into Seattle Theatre Group’s Paramount Theatre on Thursday, April 25, 2013 for a run lasting until May 5th. There will be post show discussions with cast and veterans on opening night, the 25th with moderator Warren Etheredge and on May 5th with Congressman Jim McDermott. Due to graphic portrayals of modern warfare and language, the show is recommended for ages 16+.

It would also be advisable to NOT drink a lot prior to the performance…”Black Watch” is nearly two hours long without an intermission and the cast uses the aisles of the theater during the performance. If you need to leave during the show, you will not be readmitted and late comers are also out of luck…be on time!

“Black Watch” is a powerful, vibrant piece of theater and we’re thrilled to give away two tickets to the Friday night, April 26th performance courtesy of Seattle Theatre Group.We’ll make it simple…first person to correctly answer the question wins the tickets. Send your answers to strangeways@seattlegayscene.com  with your full name and contact info including phone number. Here’s the question dealing with a different era of Scottish history:

Crazy Mel Gibson won an Oscar for directing the 1995 film, “Braveheart” a historical epic based on the story of “a 13th century Scottish warrior who led the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England”. Mr. Gibson played that warrior…

What was his name?

For everyone else not playing the game, go over to the STG/Paramount website to get tickets to one of the hottest theater events in Seattle this season.