BACKWARDS
FORWARDS BACK
by Jacqueline Goldfinger
Directed by Brendan Ragan
A National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere
EXTENDED TO APRIL 30, 2023
Wednesday-Sunday
When a soldier returns from war carrying the ghosts of his tour, he’s faced with a sobering decision: address his alarming PTSD with Virtual Reality therapy, or risk losing access to his family forever. Can this new technology re-calibrate the brains and bodies of wounded soldiers?
This electric, vivid, one-man drama studies the power of healing and finding
strength in vulnerability.
Critics on BACKWARDS FORWARDS BACK:
"A spellbinding performance... Backwards Forwards Back is a riveting look at the horrors of combat PTSD through the experience of a returning soldier." -The Bradenton Times (full review)
"A riveting production...a bravura performance by L. James." -The Gabber (full review)
"It’s powerful stuff... Goldfinger’s dialogue is razor-sharp; her storytelling is laser-focused. Backwards Forwards Back reminds you that warriors are people." -The Observer (full review)
"James creates a gripping picture...He makes PTSD real and human and we feel we really get to know and understand the challenges he faces." -Sarasota Herald-Tribune (full review)
"Powerful and compelling...Through James’ intense performance the audience is taken vividly through the soldier’s psyche."-Sarasota Magazine (full review)
Join us on Thursdays for our post-show talkback series, featuring the cast and CEO of Operation Warrior Resolution, Kendra Simpkins.
Content disclaimer: Contains adult language, sudden loud noises and descriptions of military violence. We invite you to review the full script if you are unsure about attending.
Run time: 65 minutes, no intermission
Playwright Jacqueline Goldfinger
CREATIVE TEAM
Director/Artistic Director
Playwright
Artistic Director
Production Stage Manager
Scenic Design
Technical Supervisor & Projection Design
Sound Design
Lighting Design
Master Carpenter
Costume Design
Safety Manager
Scenic Painting
Consultant
Brendan Ragan
Jacqueline Goldfinger
Summer Wallace
Tori Heikenfeld
Jeff Weber
Alex Pinchin
Sean Ragan
Lyndell McDonald
Eugene Alcorn
Kristy Iris
Laura Chambers
Karle Murdock
Kendra Simpkins
CAST
L. James
The Soldier