An Interrogation Primer

Based on the writings of Iraq War veteran Mike Nowacki, this brief solo work examines the atrocities of war from the unique perspective of a former U.S. military interrogator. Commendably performed by Sean Bolger, An Interrogation Primer delves into the insecurities, fears and challenges that come with the job's difficult territory; in deference to the seriousness of the material, director Eric Ziegenhagen has adapted Nowacki's text only minimally for the stage, to avoid what he calls "the sensationalism or voyeurism of a re-enactment." The result is a 35-minute direct-address monologue that, despite the inherent interest of its subject, elicits more audiobook attentiveness than visceral engagement. Even so, the piece successfully calls the audience's personal values and boundaries into question. (Visit our Fringe Festival page for more reviews, and fringenyc.org for more information.)—Joey Monda