Challenges Facing Veterans & Their Families Take Center Stage During Special Performance at Banana Factory Feb. 9

Live theater becomes a vehicle promoting social change as One Fight Foundation and  Impact Theatre NYC present “Combat Conversations: Families Affected by War” at the Banana Factory 25 W. Third St., Bethlehem, on Feb. 9. The performance, which take place 3 p.m. in the arts center’s Crayola Gallery, is free and open to ages 12 and older; light refreshments will be provided.

Designed to spark a dialogue about the impact of war and military culture on service members and their families, Combat Conversations is a 20-minute short play that features actors portraying war veterans and veterans assuming the roles of civilians. The goal is to have each group step into the other’s shoes to address the challenges and issues that impact families and friends when loved ones return from active duty and conflict.

Jenny Pacanowski, associate project director for Impact Theatre NYC’s Veterans Project, says the concept for Combat Conversations was born out of community forums that were held to aid veterans and their families. The performance on Feb. 9 will include two stories: one of a man returning home from war to find his mother has remarried and he has a new step-sister; and the other of a woman veteran and mother trying to reintegrate into civilian life.

“These performances are actually based in part on the stories we discovered as part of our community forums,” says Pacanowski. “As part of Combat Conversations, we have incorporated two children into the scripts because reintegration into civilian life impacts not only veterans, but also their families and friends as well. We wanted to add in the perspective of children because these are important issues that affect them as well.”

Following the presentation, the audience is invited to ask questions and interact with the actors and veterans, all of whom will remain in character during the interactive session. Donations will be collected during the event to support Impact Theater NYC’s Veterans Project, which focuses on stimulating dialogue and communication between veterans and the community.

For additional details, contact Jenny Pacanowski at jennywarrior2277@gmail.com.