Local Actors Bring Play About Iowa Vietnam Veterans to Life

By Mark Geary, Reporter

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By Mark Geary

Story Created: Jan 10, 2008 at 9:23 PM CST

Story Updated: Jan 11, 2008 at 1:01 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Many people say America's Vietnam veterans weren't treated well when they returned home. Now, a group of local actors plans to pay tribute to Iowa's Vietnam vets to help recognize their efforts.

A University of Northern Iowa professor interviewed Iowa Vietnam veterans and wrote a play about them. Next week, local actors will bring the characters to life.

“Iowa Stories: The Vietnam Experience” explains how the Vietnam War affected Iowans' lives.

"One of the lines that's quoted from the show very often is -- you can hate the war, but don't hate the warrior," Director Matthew Ford said.

Barb Arceneaux plays a young woman who wants to be a nurse.

"Each of these people have their own story which is personal and interesting," Arceneaux said.

Marty Labs' character joins the Air Force.

"He's a pretty straight shooting guy. He didn't have too many conflicts over there, but he still has some issues with his family...the ties between his family and talking to his family," Labs said.

Ford has a special connection to the material. Both of his parents are Vietnam veterans.

"When I did this show, I was able to learn a little bit about my dad's experience. I had a very typical father who did not like to speak about his Vietnam War experience," Ford said.

The actors also feel it's important for the play's message to reach younger generations.

"People who are younger than me pretty much don't know really know what happened in Vietnam and they don't understand how the people that went over there -- they really didn't know what they were getting into," Arceneaux said.

Local businesses and individuals have donated about $4500 to sponsor the play. All of that money will go directly to local veterans organizations.

The play is at 7:30 on Wednesday (January 16th) and Thursday (January 17th) at Theater Cedar Rapids.

The cast and crew will accept donations before and after the performances to help local veterans in need.

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