The Wayward Artist World Premier of ‘Peace Be With You‘ is a disturbing tale of ephebophilia and grooming in its anti-military overtones.
‘Peace Be With You‘, directed by Joe Lauderdale and written by Eric Eberwein of the Orange County Playwrights Alliance, is a play that ambitiously tackles the complexities of personal and political conflicts through its central character, Lee (River Ramos). The narrative revolves around Lee’s journey from a troubled youth to a Marine, his strained relationships with his mother (Rebecca Leeds), girlfriend (Gabrielle Mac), and predatory groomer “boyfriend” (Aaron Lipp), and his subsequent plan to expose the realities of military life. While the play presents a promising premise, it is ultimately undermined by its execution.
The story is anchored in Lee’s struggle with the repercussions of his enlistment. His mother’s dismay, his girlfriend’s apprehensions, and his predatory boyfriend’s approval all create a rich tapestry of interpersonal drama. As Lee’s deployment leads him to question his decisions, his plan to vanish and reveal the truth about American military operations provides a dramatic and intriguing plot point. This narrative framework holds significant potential for exploring themes of identity, duty, and moral courage.
The cast deliver powerful performances via a depraved relationship. River Ramos stands out with his portrayal of Lee, infusing the role with emotional depth and authenticity. His ability to convey Lee’s internal conflict and vulnerability is a highlight of the production. Aaron Lipp brings a chilling effectiveness to his role as Patrick, capturing the predatory essence of his character with unsettling precision. Gabrielle Mack and Rebecca Leeds also contribute strong performances; Mack as Courtney, Lee’s concerned girlfriend, and Leeds as Jody, his progressive adoptive mother that allowed Patrick to stay over at her home, both offer nuanced portrayals.
However, despite these strengths, ‘Peace Be With You‘ struggles with several issues. The depiction of ephebophilia (an attraction to older adolescents)—a central theme—feels troubling and crosses the line into exploitative territory. The relationship between Lee and Patrick, though intended to highlight predatory behavior, often comes across as uncomfortable rather than insightful, nearly glorifying the 8 year difference between a grown man and a teen. It is not until the second act that this inappropriate relationship is addressed. Furthermore, the play’s overemphasis on repetitive undressing and simulated sex scenes detracts from the narrative’s potency. These scenes, meant to heighten tension, instead become a disruptive element, leading to a sense of redundancy and disengagement.
The symbolic use of the bed, representing the passage of time, also misses the mark. Rather than serving as a powerful metaphor of a passage of time, it frequently distracts from the core performances and the emotional weight of the play. The constant shifting of the bed and its associated rituals often feel more like a visual gimmick than a meaningful symbol, further affecting the play’s overall pacing.
‘Peace Be With You‘ is marked by a strong cast and a potentially compelling story, it falls short in its execution. The play’s exploration of significant themes and its talented ensemble suggest a work of great promise. However, the problematic handling of sensitive subjects, combined with repetitive and distracting elements, limits its effectiveness. With a more refined approach, ‘Peace Be With You‘ could evolve into a truly impactful piece.
‘Peace Be With You‘ is running at The Wayward Artist until September 22, 2024.
To purchase tickets visit https://www.thewaywardartist.org/peace-be-with-you.
Summary
‘Peace Be With You‘ attempts to be a modern rendition of, ‘Johnny Got His Gun‘, ends up missing the mark with its execution.
