Set in 1986, this compelling drama alternates between the US Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and a courtroom in Washington, DC, examining a crime that challenges notions of honor, duty, and truth. PFC William Santiago, a young Marine who is considered a “weak link” in his unit, has died as a result of actions taken by two of his fellow marines. Lance Corporal Harold Dawson and PFC Louden Downey claim Santiago’s death was the accidental outcome of a routine hazing incident ordered by a superior officer. Their superior officers claim there was no such order and that the two men should be held accountable.

Defending Dawson and Downey are three Navy attorneys who hold their own complicated (and sometimes conflicting) ideas of duty and honor: Daniel Kaffee, the son of a renowned lawyer whose career casts a long shadow; Sam Weinberg, who will do his best to defend the accused in spite of his suspicion that they are bullies; and Joanne Galloway, a lieutenant commander with strong instincts and minimal courtroom experience who is dead set on uncovering the truth no matter what. This fast-paced, high-stakes play raises timeless questions about the price of blind loyalty and the way ideals like honor and duty can be twisted until they are unrecognizable.


Written by Aaron Sorkin
Directed by Geoff Packard

Recommended Ages: 15+