HEROINE: one female soldier's story
Mary Jane Wells, writer and performer
A review by Cecilia Mencia
In its U.S. debut at the Kennedy Center, Heroine, the compelling story of Danna Davis, a lesbian soldier in the U.S. Army explodes on the stage to recount the human survival narrative of one soldier's experiences, and what healing and forgiveness can mean.
“The event does not have the power to define your life,” Wells says, “but rather it’s the story you choose to tell about it.”
Mary Jane Wells, who wrote the script, also plays Davis in this one-woman performance exploring the sexual trauma at the hands of her military commanders. Well’s emotional performance is draining and illuminating, all at once, as she flows from act to act spotlighting the multiple deployments and life experiences including those in Iraq and Berlin. The sheer terror Wells evokes in the depth of her performance is cringeworthy at times, but true to the character’s narrative. Booming, her voice recounts the story with disdain, and yes at times with humor.
Davis was the only woman in her company, before “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” was repealed, that went onto lead her squad into combat. Surviving sexual trauma, she served on the battlefield alongside her assailants.
“Heroine” was written from a sense of outrage, specifically for Danna Davis, but also for you, me and for those who still exprience sexual assault and retaliation in the UK armed forces or the U.S. military. It’s a story we need to hear, that uses the literal, artistic, and metaphorical power of the human voice to ensure that silence is no longer an accomplice. My bones said, write.”
Heroine is part the World Stages 2019-2020, a series that offers DC audiences the chance to experience the world’s best productions. World Stages highlights visionary artists at the forefront of international discourse.
Heroine was part of this showcase and was longlisted for The Amnesty Freedom of Expression award and won runner up in the prestigious Scottish Theatre Arts Club Award against a critically acclaimed shortlist that included the Traverse's Ulster American, Summerhall's Achilles, NTS' First Snow, Premiere Neige.
The play is performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Family Theater, February 12-14, 2002.
Written & Performed by Mary Jane Wells
Life Story: Danna Davis
Produced by: Sarah Gray
Sound Design by: Matthew Padden
Lighting Design by: George Tarbuck
Production Management: John Wilkie
The run time is approximately 70 minutes without intermission.
For more information visit heroinetheplay.com