Ethics, when it comes to war, are a tricky subject which creates difficult decisions and debates. As technology continues to advance, so do the weapons people use in battles.
Lamar University’s Department of Theatre & Dance production of “Landscape with Weapon” tackles the heavy topic with wit and pathos.
The main character, Ned (Joseph Lyle Taylor) is an engineer who’s programmed the anatomy of starlings into drones. When the government wants to weaponize his invention, his loved ones are shocked at his willingness to comply.
His brother Dan (Orlando Arriaga), is appalled and tries to convince him not to follow through with the project. When Ned begins to express doubts, government agents are soon on his tail.
The brothers are on opposite sides of the coin, which makes it interesting when they discuss how the technology will affect the course of future war. The effects this hypothetical weapon will have feel so real that the audience is pulled into the discussion as well.
Taylor’s Ned is fantastic. When his character goes off the deep end, audiences empathize with just how much the decision is tearing him apart from the inside out. Arriaga’s Dan plays a great brotherly role, and the two complement each other. His moments of vulnerability especially shine.
Ginger Mouton’s Ross is excellent. She exudes confidence and is a great antagonist to Ned. Even though she is pushing him to sign his invention away, the audience understands her reasoning for doing so. It’s all about the money.
Joel Groethe’s Brooks is mysterious and shady. He works for British intelligence been and this isn’t his first rodeo in “persuasion.” His interactions with Ned are funny, yet eerie. Upon first meeting him, the audience does not know his intentions, which adds to the tension throughout the play.
Director Amelia Fischer ties it all together, leaving us with thought-provoking questions to think about long after the show is over.
It’s a marvelous production with a great cast and story, showcasing how one decision could bring even the most morally sound person into madness.
“Landscape with Weapon” continues Feb. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit lamar.edu/lutdtix.