"Ruined," a gut-wrenching drama that exposes the horrors of rape in war-torn Congo, premieres in Utah next Friday at the Babcock Theatre.
The play, which won the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for drama, is based on playwright Lynn Nottage's personal interviews with women and girls who sought refuge in Uganda during the height of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's brutal civil war.
"Ruined" is directed by Richard Scharine and is presented by People Productions, an African-American theater company based in Utah. The cast includes North Ogden resident and Weber State University student Carleton Bluford, who plays the role of a soldier named Fortune.
Set in a rain-forest bar and brothel, the gripping drama focuses on women whose lives have been devastated by cultural, military and sexual violence. The women must contend with their own battle scars -- from the physical and psychological scars of violent rape to the less tangible devastation of poverty. At the heart of the play, shrewd matriarch Mama Nodi serves as both protector and exploiter of the bar's many "ruined" women.
While the men are not the most sympathetic characters in the piece, Bluford describes his character "as good as they come" during this particular period of the region's history.
"That's the great thing about Nottage's characters, she gives them amazing layers," Bluford said.
Fortune's wife is Salima, who is snatched by rebels and used as a sex slave for five months before returning to the village. At first, Fortune doesn't believe her story.
"He runs her off because of the shame that he has," Bluford said. Once he realizes she was telling the truth, Fortune goes out to find her.
Bluford said the challenge of this role was trying to make the drama as real as possible without becoming too melodramatic or "going over the top."
Some may shy away from the drama because of its intense, gritty subject matter, but Bluford said there is also humor and optimism in the story. He believes those who come to see the play will leave the theater feeling rewarded and with a sense of hope.
"It's a really hard piece, but we have a great and talented group of people trying to pull it off," Bluford said. "If anyone wants to see a great show with hardworking actors, this would be the one."
People Productions is partnering with the Refugee Services Office of Utah to present a panel discussion about the themes of the play following the July 31 performance. Visit www.peopleproductions.org for more information on People Productions.
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