Vancouver-based lighting designer and playwright Itai Erdal has written his latest play to provide an alternative perspective to the narrative he was taught while growing up in Israel. Titled Soldiers of Tomorrow, the work draws heavily on Erdal's own experiences serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Lebanon, where he witnessed the horrors of war firsthand.
A Personal Journey of Questioning
Erdal's military service left a lasting impression, prompting him to delve deeper into the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The more he learned, the more he began to question the prescribed historical narrative he had been raised with. He realized that his experiences and the broader story of Israel needed to be told from a different angle.
The title of the play came from an unexpected source: his nephew's school project. Fifteen years ago, Erdal's nephew brought home a box to fill with meaningful items for soldiers on the front lines. On the inside of the lid, the teacher had written, 'For the soldiers of today from the soldiers of tomorrow.' Erdal's sister was furious, but no other parent complained. This incident starkly contrasted with Erdal's own school days, when students were told that mandatory military service might eventually be unnecessary due to regional peace.
Confronting the Cycle of Militarization
Erdal's play is structured as a conversation with his nephew, attempting to dissuade him from joining the army. This discussion actually took place and was an uphill battle, as the nephew's father is right-wing and most of his schoolmates planned to enlist. The options to avoid service are limited, and the consequences are lifelong.
Erdal served two three-month rotations as an infantry combatant in Lebanon, exchanging fire with Hezbollah fighters and enduring bombings. Despite the danger, he preferred that to being stationed in Gaza or Bethlehem, where he would have faced women and children. 'At least Hezbollah were trained, armed fighters. Still bad, but better,' he said.
A Patriot's Critique
Erdal describes himself as a patriot who loves his country. He was not raised to question the story of Israel taught in schools. While his family was liberal, the argument for joining the army was that left-leaning individuals serving would prevent the defense forces from being dominated by hardline right-wingers. Now, through his play, Erdal aims to provide an alternative view and spark dialogue about the ongoing conflict.
Soldiers of Tomorrow is currently playing at The Cultch in Vancouver. The production features a scene depicted in a photo by Matt Reznek.
