Iraq War vets’ poems spur play, film

MARQUETTE - When Jason Bradley Marcotte, 26, of Ishpeming went to New York City and made friends with a man from Israel who was once a soldier, he had an epiphany.

"He'd been in war and had seen some crazy things," said Marcotte, who is an artist and massage therapist. "Nobody knew his story, but you could feel his story. Somebody needs to tell a story like that - not about war but what are the effects of it."

Back in Marquette, Marcotte decided to put together a performance and film on the effects of war based on poems in the book "Warrior Writers - Remaking Sense," which is a collection of writings and artwork of Iraq War veterans from throughout the United States.

As a result, Marcotte and several other local artists will host a performance and film viewing at 7 p.m. Monday at Peter White Public Library in Marquette.

Although the book the performance is based on was published by the group Iraq Veterans Against the War, Marcotte said the one-act play and film do not take a stance on the war but rather serve as an example of "the human cost of war."

"This is a very real story for a lot of people now," he said. "It's kind of like a way to educate yourself about it."

Monday evening's event will start out with a one-act play based on the poem "Single Voice," by veteran Greg Strehl. Following the play, a film based on vet Aaron Hughes' poem "I am who Survived Forgive Me" will be shown. Photographer and artist Tara Byykkonen, 25, of Ishpeming created the film - her first production.

"It's a short film and it complements the performance," she said. The short play sets up the backstory for the main character in the film. In the film, the character breaks down and is opening up about his wartime experiences. "It's kind of his confession," she said.

Marcotte said he hopes people who attend the performance will be able to make a more personal connection with soldiers who have been affected by the Iraq War. As for his own experiences, Marcotte said meeting the Israeli soldier and hearing about his struggles with life after war made him much more aware of the aftermath of conflict.

For more information, call 361-6254.