It has become an iconic phrase, often delivered at earsplitting volume: “You can’t handle the truth!”
It’s the best-known line from Aaron Sorkin’s “A Few Good Men,” returning to Greenville’s Centre Stage, May 7-24.
The effort to uncover the “the truth” lies at the heart of Sorkin’s intense courtroom drama.
Two Marines are charged after carrying out an unofficial disciplinary action known as a “Code Red,” and a young Navy lawyer, Lt. Daniel Kaffee, is assigned to defend them.
As the trial unfolds, Kaffee (played by John Michael Cox) uncovers a culture of obedience and intimidation that reaches into the chain of command, especially the powerful Col. Nathan Jessup (David Atkinson). The play explores honor, duty, truth, and the moral cost of following orders without question.
“The play presents a clash of authority versus truth,” said director Thom Babbes. “What do you do as a Marine when you’re given an order that is not moral, but you can’t just ignore an order?
“It’s really a play about moral courage,” he added. “True justice demands moral courage, not blind obedience. That is the story I’m telling.”
Time of stark contrasts
In the play, vital evidence emerges thanks to the work of Navy attorney Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway, played in this production by Fawn Allen.
Kaffee is reluctant to go after a high-ranking official like Col. Jessup but is persuaded by Galloway.
The play is set in the 1980s, a time of stark contrasts, Babbes said.
“This was during the Cold War, when America had the idea of ‘peace through strength.’ It explores a world where order and discipline and obedience are not just valued but are required,” Babbes said. “And yet it was a fun decade of excess, and the music was happy.”
Babbes is incorporating 1980s music into the play as naturally as possible, featuring such songs as “Born in the USA,” “All She Wants to Do is Dance,” “Take on Me” and “Welcome to the Jungle.”
Before the cast began rehearsals, Babbes had his actors go through a Marine bootcamp.
“I wanted them to get to know the world of the play,” Babbes said.
Centre Stage last staged “A Few Good Men” in 2014.
Theater-goers should note: The play contains some strong language and is rated PG-13.
Want to go?
What: “A Few Good Men” by Aaron Sorkin
When: May 7-24
Where: Centre Stage, 501 River St., Greenville
Tickets: $21.50-$36.50
Info: 864-233-6733 or centrestage.org
