Created by Penny Coleman, Elana Michelson, and Patricia Lee Stotter
Based on the book, Flashback, by Penny Coleman

As a play, "Flashback" is structured as an encounter between the widow of a Vietnam veteran suicide and a veteran who served with her husband and remained a friend until his death. Woven through their efforts to sort feelings of guilt and responsibility, five other widows speak, with exquisite personal detail, about their attempts to cope with both psychic and social injuries before and after the deaths of their husbands. Their words reach out to a broad cross-section of Americans, both those who support and those who disagree with our current military ventures.

"Flashback" has been developed though a series of readings at Ensemble Studio Theater and West Side Theater in New York City under the direction of Abigail Zealy-Bess. The play uses the unique power of theatre to help ensure that this tragic story it tells - of heartlessness, isolation, guilt, and shame -- never happens again.

We are therefore committed to reaching audiences beyond traditional theatre-goers. "Flashback" can help raise awareness in communities where veterans live, in religious and civic organizations, and among the educational and service professionals who interact with veterans and create communities. In 2009, readings of "Flashback" have been scheduled for colleges and conferences. With the help of the Empire State College Foundation, we are currently fund-raising to bring "Flashback" to venues such as community colleges, churches, community theaters and arts organizations, and professional conferences.

If you would like the play performed by your organization or would like to help with this important endeavor, please contact Elana.Michelson@esc.edu.

See images of "Flashback" the play:

Carol Jacobanis* as Joyce

Karen Young* as Penny

Annie O'Sullivan* as Debby

William Watkins as Lanz

Ilene Kirsten* as Maryallyn and Alia Monte Brown as JeanMarie

All images taken at West End Theater, April 2007 ~ * member, Actors Equity