With “Blood and Gifts” J. T. Rogers has written a taut, engrossing play that manages to encapsulate the dynamics of our long-time involvement in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is a major accomplishment, which is getting the fine production it deserves by the Lincoln Center Theater. The playwright has worked out the assorted historical relationships, and, under the direction of Bartlett Sher, the tale of international woe unfolds as solid drama, not just as a history lesson. It is quite amazing, for Rogers has boiled down the complex situation into a series of confrontations that reveal the essence of what has been unfolding from 1981 to 1991, with settings in Pakistan, the United States and Afghanistan.
The characters are not ciphers but humans with roles to play in the turbulent events. Yet this is not a play that inspires deep emotional involvement with any of them. What they do is provide the focus, and we see in miniature the cynical process with everyone acting in political, if not necessarily personal, self-interest.
The “Blood” in the title refers, of course, to the extensive bloodshed involved in fighting on different levels. The “Gifts” in the title refers to the money and weaponry funneled to the factions doing the fighting. The play leaves in no uncertain terms the impression of our involvement in that part of the world as a lost cause, and on leaving the theater, while I felt the exhilaration of having seen an artistically strong play, I also felt anew that the sooner we get the hell out of both Pakistan and Afghanistan the better.
The cast-character lineup includes Jeremy Davidson in an excellent portrayal of James Warnock as a CIA operative. Michael Aronov is especially good as Dmitri Gromov, the Russian KGB man. Gabriel Ruyiz also does a good job as Colonel Afridi of the Pakistan secret service. Bernard White makes the most of is role as Abdullah Khan, the Afghan war lord who is key in the manipulations.
Jefferson Mays has a colorful role as Simon Craig, the British secret service man in the mix. His character carries the weight of delineating Britain’s role in the muddle, as well as adding to the story in personal terms.
Considering all that is at play, “Blood and Gifts” moves along with commendable fluidity. The author doesn’t choose to load the stage with violence. Instead the points are made through brisk dialogue and danger-fraught situations, with shifts from the hostile terrain to the political terrain of jockeying in Washington. The various roles needed are fleshed out effectively by other cast members, all adding to the overall picture of the elements and factions involved so that the audience is given an understanding of the competing and connecting forces.
To say this is an important work is an understatement. Rogers efficiently provides insight into the background of what emerges in today’s headlines. And he manages to do so in strong dramatic terms that can grip audiences while educating them. At the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, 150 West 65th Street, $80-$85. Phone: 212-889-4300.