A documentary, enhanced by imagined conversations and dramatic licence, David Hare’s Stuff Happens follows the path that led to the Iraq war in 2003.

The play premiered in 2004, one year after the invasion of Iraq by the U.S. Hare’s analysis focuses on the theory that “Iraq was essentially a war of opportunism.” The official rationale for the attack was that Iraq held weapons of mass destruction (not proven) that posed an immediate threat to the western world. The collateral damage/more likely reason for the attack was to overthrow and execute the dictator, Saddam Hussein.

Stuff Happens presents much of the story of the negotiations and lead-up to the war by quoting President George W. Bush and members of his administration. Hare also includes such imagined, but likely, private conversations between U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair and between U.S. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Punctuated with constant reminders that the justification for going to war was flimsy, Stuff Happens is a discomforting — though often amusing — account that aims to put the main players and events in perspective.

At the centre is Bush, at first portrayed as foolish, but soon emerging as a cunning politician, outwitting and skirting Blair, the intelligent idealist, and Powell, an honest man, who sinks into betraying his own beliefs.

The NAC English Theatre production, directed by David Ferry, is dramatically strong and visually effective. The shiny black floor within the performance space is a silent reminder of the economic importance of oil. As the black surface changes into a chessboard and the well-orchestrated ensemble follows a series of stylized movements, the point that politics is a game of strategy is made in spades. Meanwhile, the timeline and illustrations on the cross of fluorescent back lighting punctuate the progress of events.

As George W. Bush, Stuart Hughes is all bonhomie at first, gradually making his intransigence clear. Andrew Moodie delivers a sympathetic portrayal of Colin Powell — a man caught between his instinct and his loyalty.

Well supported by other cast members, particularly Paul Rainville as Dick Cheney, David Warburton as Hans Blix and Peter James Haworth as Dominique de Villepin, the production flows well, although the lengthy script would benefit from some pruning. Also at issue here are some unconvincing English accents and unclear diction. In general, however, Stuff Happens is definitely stuff worth seeing.

 

The NAC production of Stuff Happens continues to February 21.

 

Stuff Happens

By David Hare

National Arts Centre English Theatre

Director: David Ferry

Set and costumes: Gillian Gallow

Lighting: Glenn Davidson

Sound and video: Jamie Nesbitt

 

Cast:

Laura Bush et al…………………………………….Lois Anderson

Janitor……………………………………………….Herbie Barnes

Iraqi VP et al………………………………………..Natasha Greenblatt

Dominique de Villepin et al………………………..Peter James Haworth

George W. Bush……………………………………Stuart Hughes

Donald Rumsfeld…………………………………..Greg Malone

Paul Wolfowitz et al………………………………..Andy Massingham

Cherie Blair et al……………………………………Amy Matisyo

Gerson et al…………………………………………Tawiah M’Carthy

Fleischer et al……………………………………….Alex McCooeye

Colin Powell………………………………………..Andrew Moodie

Tony Blair………………………………………….Christopher Morris

Dick Cheney………………………………………..Paul Rainville

Condoleezza Rice…………………………………..Karen Robinson

Hans Blix et al……………………………………..David Warburton