New play opens at La Jolla Playhouse commentary on Afghan-Soviet war, 9/11, and CIA

New play at La Jolla Playhouse focuses on CIA

Step into the shoes of a CIA operative in the middle of the Soviet-Afghan war in a new play written by J.T. Rogers and directed by Lucie Tiberghien. The historic fictional drama opened at the La Jolla Playhouse on June 12 and will be running until July 8. The play titled “Blood and Gifts” presents a glimpse into the covert spy operations behind the Afghan war which began in 1981 and lasted until 1991.

The play's antagonist is CIA operative James Warnock who is played by actor Kelly AuCoin. Warnock interacts, communicates, and fights with his British and Russian counterparts in his mission to undermine Soviet influence in Afghanistan. The drama illustrates the struggles and sacrifices made by CIA operatives fighting to protect American interests during the conflict. The play is also a commentary on the beginnings of the political ideology that instigated the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, according to Playhouse Resident Dramaturg Shirley Fishman.

The settings in the play vary from Afghanistan to Soviet Russia to Washington, D.C. This allows for colorful theatrical presentations, costumes, and sounds that take the audience on a ride around the world. Additionally, the script is filled with metaphors that help to create a thought-provoking story. Tickets are on sale for the play starting as low as $26. The Playhouse is located at 2910 La Jolla Village Drive on the UCSD Campus.

While you are enjoying the arts in La Jolla, you may want to consider visiting Thumbprint Gallery, which features a variety of local artists. The La Jolla art gallery exhibits the best in contemporary urban art, while providing a fun and comfortable atmosphere for everybody. Thumbprint Gallery is located at 920 Kline St. #104 in La Jolla.

Source:

http://www.lajollalight.com/2012/06/06/beware-of-spies-bringing-blood-and-gifts-in-la-jolla-playhouses-new-thriller/