NAC english theatre production
Stuff Happens
by Bavid Hare
directed by David Ferry
featuring the 2014-15 Ensemble and guest artists
February 3 – 21, 2015

January 15, 2015 – OTTAWA (Canada) – "Stuff Happens is a gripping, thought-provoking piece of political theatre … a riveting docudrama … marvellously entertaining, a work of epic sweep." – The Spectator

On March 19, 2003, U.S. President George W. Bush took to the airwaves to announce that a coalition force led by the United States had launched a surprise invasion against Iraq – this was the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On April 11, following the looting and pillaging of Baghdad, U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld was quoted as saying “Stuff happens… and it’s untidy, and freedom’s untidy, and free people are free to make mistakes and commit crimes and do bad things.” 

Chronicling the events that lead to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, David Hare’s Stuff Happens is a provocative political drama starring a president, a prime minister, and a crowd of high-level decision-makers.

Should the U.S. lead a war against Iraq? Are there indeed weapons of mass destruction or just words of mass distraction? A spellbinding blend of documented details, public-record information, and theatrical invention, Hare’s fusing of historical narrative with human drama exposes the relentless politicking behind the 2003 invasion.

“I think the important point to make about the timely revival of the play is that it has been vindicated,” said playwright David Hare in an address to NAC English Theatre. “At the time, the theory that Iraq was essentially a war of opportunism – some unscrupulous American politicians exploited 9/11 and the chaos it created in order to follow an entirely different policy agenda which they had long desired – was extremely contentious. And I was much attacked for it. But it is now accepted as orthodoxy. It’s become the standard historical explanation.”

As news reports in 2015 mirror that of 2003, Stuff Happens is a history play that continues to resonate.

“A thrilling peek behind the closed doors of the White House.” – 680 NEWS

Stuff Happens is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, INC

Featuring the 2014-15 Ensemble:
Lois Anderson, Herbie Barnes, Natasha Greenblatt, Tawiah M’Carthy, Amy Matysio, Alex McCooeye, Andrew Moodie, Christopher Morris, Karen Robinson and David Warburton. Joined by guest artists Peter James Haworth, Stuart Hughes, Greg Malone, Andy Massingham and Paul Rainville.

The creative team includes: Director David Ferry; Set and Costume Designer Gillian Gallow; Lighting Designer Glenn Davidson; Video and Sound Designer Jamie Nesbitt; Dialect Coach Diane Pitblado; Assistant Director Natasha Greenblatt; Stage Manager Laurie Champagne; Assistant Stage Manager Erin Finn.

Stuff Happens
February 3 – 21, NAC Theatre

Pay-What-You-Can:
Tuesday, February 3

Previews:
Wednesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 5

Opens:
Friday, February 6

Stuff Happens Points of View:
Saturday, February 7 at 12:45 p.m. in the NAC Salon
Experience this English Theatre production through an encounter with two special guests, each offering their own unique perspective on the piece.

Talkbacks:
Wednesdays, February 11 and 18 and Thursdays, February 12 and 19.
Stay in your seats for a post-show question-and-answer session with members of the 2014-15 Ensemble.

Performance Schedule:

Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at 2 pm
(no performances on Sundays or Mondays.)

Tickets:
From $25 to $75

Tickets are available:

Online on the NAC’s website: http://www.nac-cna.ca
In person at the NAC Box Office
At all Ticketmaster outlets**
By telephone 1-888-991-2787**
**A service charge applies on all purchases made through Ticketmaster.

Groups of 10 or more contact grp@nac-cna.ca or visit http://www.nac-cna.ca

Find out more about the NAC English Theatre on Facebook and YouTube. To discover some fascinating facts about Stuff Happens visit nac-cna.ca/englishtheatre.

A student matinée performance of Stuff Happens takes place on Wednesday, February 11th at 12pm, followed by a talkback with the artists. Subsidised tickets priced at $14.69 are available for school groups and students, and a free classroom Study Guide is available for this production. For more information or to register for the student matinée, please contact English Theatre Education at 613-947-7000 x289 or englishtheatre.education@nac-cna.ca

Embassy Hotel & Suites is proud to be the Official Hotel Partner for the National Arts Centre English Theatre.

Ottawa Citizen is proud to be Media Partner for the Theatre Series.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR INTERVIEW REQUESTS, PLEASE CONTACT:

Sean Fitzpatrick
Communications Officer, National Arts Centre English Theatre
613 947 7000, x389
sean.fitzpatrick@nac-cna.ca