Kevin Ruane advises director on new Vietnam War play

Kevin Ruane, Professor of Modern History at Canterbury Christ Church University, has been working as historical advisor on the UK (and European) premiere of US playwright Steven Dietz's Vietnam-themed play, The Last of the Boys, which will open at the Southwark Playhouse on 11 May.

"It's been a great experience", said Kevin, "working with a wonderful group of actors on an important and very moving drama. The director, John Haidar, knew my work on the Vietnam war, and when he got in touch to ask if I would like to be involved, I jumped at the chance".

Kevin worked with the cast in rehearsal advising on historical context and the historical meaning of some of the play's key themes. "The drama, set at the end of the 1990s, focuses on two Vietnam veterans, and how the war continues to haunt them, and damage them, as it does many Americans of the Vietnam generation", Kevin explains. "At the same time, it deals with universal themes: friendship, betrayal, contested memory, and relationships - between fathers and sons, mothers and daughters".

Kevin with cast and director (from left, Cavan Clarke, Zoë Tapper, Wendy Nottingham, John Haidar, Kevin Ruane, Demitri Goritsas, and Todd Boyce

The play runs at the Southwark Playhouse for three weeks, from 11 May to 4 June. "I can't wait to get along, having been involved at the start of the process, and to see what John and his brilliant cast have done with the raw concept", Kevin adds. "Obviously I'm biased on this, but if you want an evening of thoughtful, profound, but also at times sharp and witty drama, get to see The Last of the Boys while you can".

For more information visit the Southwark Playhouse website.