Actors Oscar Isaac and David Strathairn to join military veterans to present reading and discussion of searing new Vietnam War memoir, <i>The Education of Corporal John Musgrave</i>

Free, virtual event to be co-hosted by Theater of War Productions and DAV to spark national dialogue about healing wounds, both visible and invisible

Theater of War Productions and DAV (Disabled American Veterans) will present live readings from The Education of Corporal John Musgrave, a searing new memoir about the Vietnam War and its aftermath, as a catalyst for a powerful, intergenerational discussion about the unique challenges faced by veterans and the impact of war on individuals, families, and communities.

The free, virtual event on April 13, from 7pm to 9pm EDT, will feature performances by actors Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens), David Strathairn (Nomadland), and COL (Ret.) Gregory D. Gadson (Battleship), Ashleigh Byrnes (Deputy National Communications Director, DAV) and author John Musgrave.

The reading will be followed by live responses from a panel of veterans from multiple wars, to include Andy Marshall (National Commander, DAV), Joshua Mantz (author of The Beauty of a Darker Soul), Michael Naranjo (blind, Native American sculptor), and Naomi Matthis (mother, warrior, DAV benefits advocate), culminating in a guided audience discussion about healing the visible and invisible wounds of war. For more information and to register, please visit: theeducationofcorporaljohnmusgrave.eventbrite.com.

Poet, author, and Vietnam veteran John Musgrave first moved national audiences in Ken Burn’s PBS series The Vietnam War, in which he shared the harrowing and humanizing story of his military service and return to civilian life following a fateful tour as an infantry Marine in Vietnam. Now, in his powerful new memoir, The Education of Corporal John Musgrave, recently published by Alfred A. Knopf, he shares the full story of his coming of age during the Vietnam War and the lasting impact it had on his life. Musgrave’s account brims with profound insights forged in combat, recovering from major injuries after the war, and during his long journey of healing—as a poet, protestor, and spokesperson for Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

Of his memoir, Kirkus states in a starred review, "There’s not a false note in this book, full of both pride and sorrow. It’s just the retort to those who wonder why Vietnam vets can’t just forget about the past and move on… Smart and self-aware, Musgrave delivers one of the best recent books on America’s experience in Vietnam."

“We are thrilled to be partnering with DAV to engage a large, national audience in crucial dialogue through John Musgrave’s stirring and unforgettable story,” states Bryan Doerries, Artistic Director of Theater of War Productions. “By performing selections from his book for a large, diverse audience, including veterans and concerned citizens, our aim is to foster compassion, understanding connection, and much-needed healing.”

“Theater of War helps bridge the military-civilian divide in a unique and creative way that benefits both side of the equation,” says DAV National Commander Andy Marshall. “I look forward to listening to the reading and providing my own reaction as a combat-wounded veteran of the Vietnam War.”

April 13, 2022, 7pm – 9pm EDT on Zoom

The Education of Corporal John Musgrave

About Theater of War Productions

Theater of War Productions works with leading film, theater, and television actors to present dramatic readings of seminal texts—from classical Greek tragedies to sermons, books, speeches, and modern works of poetry— to provide a framework for engaging communities in powerful, discussions about challenging subjects. The company uses a combination of theater and guided dialogue to help communities address pressing public health and social issues, helping break down stigmas and foster empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of complex issues.

For more info, please visit: www.theaterofwar.com.