Responding to press queries in April 2003 about the looting in Baghdad, U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said: "Stuff happens...and its untidy, and freedom's untidy, and free people are free to make mistakes and commit crimes and do bad things." Therein did David Hare find the title and motifs for his dramatic investigation of the lead-in to invading Iraq. In front of black curtains and a dark screen destined to hold projections, plainly lit tables, and chairs or podia, mikes are arranged and rearranged to set the scenes, mostly for conferences and meetings from predominantly formal to interpersonal. Those engaged are primarily American President Bush, cabinet, government appointees; their British equivalents, especially Prime Minister Tony Blair; Secretary General Kofi Annan of the United Nations along with representatives of various member states, Hans Blix of the U.N. Inspection Commission, Saddam Hussein and his General Amin.
Between their actions and dialogues come various representatives of Viewpoints, explaining or questioning them. What fascinates is not revelation, of which there is little, or the likenesses/differences among the principal players. Rather, it is how power plays lead to self-righteousness so strong as to disregard the consequences of erroneous assumptions and abandoning diplomacy.
Among the anti-heroes in the drama are the running-on-testesterone Bush who, though played low-key by Alex Jennings, finds a "real show of strength by just one power" just great. Since he thinks God wanted him to be president, he doesn't have to explain his decisions. Nicolas Farrell, acting on the edge of his nerves, shows Tony Blair unconvinced of anything except he has to side with America and persuade his own people the war is ultimately for the best. "We'd rather fight among ourselves," he maintains, but by removal of Sadaam, people in the Middle East "now suffer less."
Desmond Barrit, a gruff Cheney look-alike, is all hawk all the time. It's interesting to watch Dermot Crowley slowly diminish Donald Rumsfeld. Jack Straw doesn't come off much better.
Perhaps the arch villain is assured Adjoa Andohs cunning Condoleezza Rice. Her adversary: Colin Powell, the most ethical and reasonable of the American VIPs, presented authentically by Joe Morton.
Memorable: Bush calls a meeting on Afghanistan that Condie agrees is a "demonstration model." Rummy then counters that Iraq can be taken cheaply. Wolfowitz agrees "we know Iraq" and it's "doable." Rummy further suggests playing down the well-known Sadaam at first but also rhetoric favoring Bin Laden. To a "war on terror" people will pay attention. "We can do anything." Next, at dinner, Laura Bush serves fried chicken - comfort food. Afterward Condie leads the group singing "Amazing Grace."
Scenes showing Blair between a rock and a hard place probably resonate best with Brits, but anyone can appreciate his anguish over his political situation. One of the Voices seems to do the same regarding the Palestinians, but Hare doesn't let the other side speak - a flaw. The situation at the United Nations is vividly sketched. But the best involve Hans Blix, the unheard voice of reason. It cries out in the wilderness that eventually envelops Colin Powell. What stuff will happen now? One wonders.
