Theater
BASETRACK Live
En Garde Arts
In 2010, while embedded with the First Battalion, Eighth Marines in southern Afghanistan, a group of photojournalists started a revolutionary online project called Basetrack. Connecting battalion members with their families and others around the globe, the web platform became an indispensable tool of citizen journalism, documenting a range of perspectives on the emotional tolls of war.
Inspired by this groundbreaking project, BASETRACK Live—developed by Edward Bilous and directed by Seth Bockley—makes its way to the stage, using videos and interviews to tell the story of one group of Marines and their families before, during, and after their deployment in Afghanistan. Accompanied by Michelle DiBucci’s electro-acoustic score, actors and an on-stage band give voice to the Marines and their families, offering a powerful look at our nation’s longest war.
Created by Edward Bilous
Composed by Michelle DiBucci, Edward Bilous and Greg Kalember
Directed by Seth Bockley
Adapted by Jason Grote in collaboration with Seth Bockley and Anne Hamburger
Adapted by Jason Grote
Music direction by Michelle DiBucci
Performance technology design by William David Fastenow
Lighting design by Paul Hudson
Set design by Caleb Wertenbaker
Costume design by Claudia Brown
Video & Projection Design by Sarah Outhwaite
Based on the website One-Eight Basetrack launched by Teru Kuwayama with his photographs and videos and those by Balazs Gardi and Tivadar Domaniczky
Simon Critchley explores the notion of nostos, the Greek word for homecoming, to better understand the psychological truths faced by servicemen and women returning from war today.
Bryan Doerries, founder of Theater of War—a project that presents readings of ancient Greek plays to military and civilian communities—leads a discussion following this performance of Basetrack Live.
Veterans, civilians, families, and philosophers come together for intimate conversations about the costs of war in these events exploring life on, and beyond, the military’s front lines.
Save 20% on 4—6 shows, 30% on 7 or more. Plus enjoy flexible scheduling with free exchanges.
En Garde Arts is an innovative theater company headed by Anne Hamburger.
We hope this study guide will enrich a study of BASETRACK Live.