Controversial play on American’s death in Gaza part of theater festival at Shepherd
By Cecelia Mason
The Contemporary American Theater Festival at Shepherd University opens its 17th season this
weekend. One of this year’s four plays is called “My Name is Rachel Corrie.” It’s based on the
writings of a 23-year-old peace activist who was killed in the Gaza Strip four years ago.
Cecelia Mason spoke with Rachel Corrie’s parents about their daughter, the play and the
controversy that often surrounds it.
(Billy Bragg) “An Israeli Bulldozer killed poor Rachel Corrie as she stood in its path in the
township of Rafa…” music fade….
British folk musician Billy Bragg is among those who took notice when Washington state native
Rachel Corrie died in Gaza in two thousand three. Corrie had gone to the Middle East as part of
the International Solidarity Movement. She was standing in front of a house in Rafah when an
Israeli Army Bulldozer ran over her. The Israeli military said Corrie’s death was an accident,
while the International Solidarity Movement maintained Corrie was in the bulldozer operator’s line
of sight.
(Music, Billy Bragg) “She was born in the town of Olympia Washington, a skinny, messy,
list making chain smoker, who volunteered to protect the Palestinian people…”
Corrie’s diaries provide the script for the one-woman play “My Name is Rachel Corrie.” Her
parents, Cindy and Craig Corrie, plan to attend opening night for the play at this year’s
Contemporary American Theater Festival:
(Cindy Corrie) “Rachel was our third child, our youngest. She was magical, like all
children are, for us. A wonderful gift, sometimes an incredible challenge, but mostly,
always a wonderful gift.”
(Craig Corrie) “Rachel had a concern for, I would describe it as a lot of the marginalized
people of the world. So she was working literally working, employed working on mental
health issues. She had done as a volunteer worked with homeless. Of course she’s
known for going the Rafah, and really known because she was killed there.”
(Cecelia) “Were you guys worried when she decided to do this?”
(Cindy) “Of course.”
(Craig) “I had sort of hoped that maybe you know, why couldn’t she volunteer for a soup
kitchen somewhere. I think Cindy said she was looking on the Internet for things she
might be able to do in India.”
(Cindy) “She was very impacted by 9-11 and in this community by the developing peace
movement. The peace movement really resurfaced here in a strong way after 9-11.”
The Corrie’s gave British actor Alan Rickman and journalist Katherine Viner permission to edit
their daughter’s diaries and e-mails into the play. It debuted at London’s Royal Court Theater in
two thousand five and received rave reviews and awards. The New York Theater Workshop
planned to present the production last year, but it was postponed due to political pressure. The
play is considered by some to be anti Israel, and has drawn protesters to various performances in
the United States.
(Cindy Corrie) “We’ve encountered the protesters who are there handing out information
opposing the play. But we’ve also encountered people who because those protesters
appeared were there handing out information in support of the play, and in support of
Rachel and in support of this play happening.”
In Shepherdstown, one board member has resigned over the decision to produce the play, but it
is not clear whether this local production will draw protests.
“My Name is Rachel Corrie” opens Saturday night at the Contemporary American Theater
Festival in Shepherdstown. For WVPB I’m cm in Shepherdstown.
(more music?...fade out)