In early 2007, George Packer published an article in The New Yorker about Iraqi interpreters who jeopardized their lives on behalf of the Americans in Iraq, with little or no U.S. protection or security. The article drew national attention to this issue as a crisis. This article served as the inspiration for ‘Betrayed’.
The play ‘Betrayed’ tells the story of three young Iraqis - two men and one woman - motivated to risk everything by America’s promise of freedom. The play explores the complex relationships among the Iraqis themselves and highlights their struggle to find purpose while their country is falling apart around them.
An American interviews Adnan (Waleed F. Zuaiter), a prospective interpreter:
A different American interrogates Laith (Sevan Greene), an Iraqi interpreter:
Thirteen/WNET will premiere a special presentation of the critically-acclaimed play BETRAYED, based on Packer’s interviews in Baghdad, on Thursday, October 23 at 9 p.m. The live-to-tape performance will feature an introduction by Packer.
Read interview with George Packer from Gothamist.
Read more about Betrayed from Playbill.
Read NY Times review.
Kim Walker Says:
I wish there were a lesson plan to go along with the play showing tonight. I work with adult students and wish I had a way of guiding them to watch this without stepping on political toes.