Synopsis

 The Cage
by
Bob Chubon

     The Cage was derived from frustration with the inability of peacemakers to bring about a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The world watches Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and President Yasser Arafat express disdain for one another, while innocent persons continue to die in both camps. More than one person frustrated at the impasse has thought that, "someone ought to throw Sharon and Arafat in a room and lock the door until they can settle their differences." In The Cage, a group of Palestinian and Israeli mothers of victims does just that.

     The mothers, who have worked together to promote mutual understanding and peace, conclude that their efforts are having no impact. In a last desperate attempt to facilitate settlement of the dispute, the mothers kidnap and throw the Prime Minister and President in a cage with meager provisions. They also impose conditions upon them that will allow only one to be freed, at most. The result of this blend of historical fact, fiction, and fantasy is an intriguing look into the history and personalities underlying the conflict.

     Act I is focused on the pent up anger between the Prime Minister and President, as well as that resulting from their capture. In Act II, they fall into a working relationship despite their seemingly irreconcilable differences. The play has an ending that reflects the unpredictable outcome of the actual dispute, and is intended to keep audiences talking. Stark staging and nameless, faceless mothers representing the many victims of the conflict add to the tenor of the play.

     The full-length, two-act play requires only modest staging, and a cast including six "anonymous" mothers, the President, and Prime Minister. The approximate reading time for the play is one hour and fifty minutes.

.rachubon@sc.rr.com.