The Guys
Embedded
By Tim Robbins
With reportage from John Simpson, BBC; Alan Feuer, New York Times; Robert Fisk, The Independent; and Martha Gellhorn
Co-directed by David Jenkins and Shawn Paonessa
Aug. 14 – 31, 2008
Thu. – Sat. 8pm, Sun. 4pm
Tickets: $24.50
Shimberg Playhouse, Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Video
Watch director David M. Jenkins interview with ABC's Brendan McLaughlin on Flashpoint.
Watch directors David M. Jenkins and Shawn Paonessa discuss Embedded on Tampa Bay's Media Talk.
Watch a rehearsal video of the cast with their masks.
Check out all of Jobsite's videos.
Patron Reviews
"The play itself was mind-boggling, the masks were absolutely terrifying, the performances were beyond comprehension. I know the preview night is generally for final tweeks but I cannot imagine how you could possibly improve on what you presented last night." – Diane Reeves
"Embedded – aren't we all ... Loved the show – creative use of space, music, electronics, quotes, video ... Great comedic moments (the government – ha!) and wonderful tender moments!!! Have a good run." – Andrea Graham
"...it is well acted and well directed. This is what theater is supposed to be, thought-provoking, discussion stimulating and above all entertaining. While those responsible for the war are pilloried, those serving in the conflict and their families are treated with nothing but respect by both the script and the production." – David Hood
"I loved the play. I thought it was smart and exciting and hilarious at times, sad at others, excellent job all around." – Susan O.
"We had to leave in a hurry last Friday night after the play, but I just wanted to tell you that even though I am a Republican ... that was an outstanding performance! The set, the actors, the music ... perfect! See, Republicans can be ok!" – Willy Baynard
"Embedded was terrific. Creepy, funny, disturbing, poignant and thought provoking. Acting and direction were hallmarks. Thanks again for another fantastic theater experience." – Rachel Lisi
"Thanks so much for the show last night! Whenever I have seen Actor's Gang shows in the past, they always come across as if someone had just ripped off a huge gashing scar causing blood to flow in every which way, in every unexpecting direction. You guys captured that! Congrats!" – Jason Peck
"Another great show for Jobsite. I was surprisingly moved, having anticipated mostly satire – but the balance of pathos and humanity, caricature and horror, comedy and emotional gut punches was truly wonderful theater to witness. I am very proud of this ensemble. It was awesome to experience such a relevant and powerful theatre assault. Bravo!" – Leah LoSchiavo
"Bravo to the cast and directors of Embedded! I had the great pleasure of attending this past Saturday night's performance. My first ever visit to Jobsite Theater. I must admit, I approached with some trepidation by way of a personal loss in 9/11 and my military service, uncertain as to how the military was to be portrayed. Much to my delight, I found it both wickedly funny and painfully gut wrenching at times. It was absolutely relevant and spot on! My hat's off to all of you at JST" – Lauren A.
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In Print
Previews
Jobsite Theater in Tampa presents the masked political play 'Embedded' – St. Petersburg Times
Play Takes Biased, But Balanced, Look At War – Tampa Tribune
Rally the Troops – Creative Loafing
Reviews
"Jobsite could not have picked a finer show than Embedded to close out the 2007–08 season. Written by Tim Robbins, this was, by far, Jobsite's best production ... Embedded is a creative, original and intelligent play that lingers long after the curtain goes down." – Tampa Tribune
" ... the play is harsh, unrelenting, at times grotesque and exceedingly refreshing. In a more perfect universe, every city would have a theater troupe that performed plays like Embedded every time there was a national crisis ... See it before the Constitution goes the way of the Geneva Conventions ... If you don't believe that the live theater can be a potent political instrument, see this play and change your mind." – Creative Loafing
"... the script and the production both fare best during the very human vignettes ... A touching opening scene has soldiers saying goodbye to their loved ones as they go off to war. One of the few ethical reporters, played appealingly by Meg Heimstead, recounts with fear and sadness an errant bomb attack. A fictionalized account of the Jessica Lynch story, with a poignant performance by Betty-Jane Parks, is perhaps the show's most profound and effective anti-war statement ... Some of the best acting comes during those repeated segments with the presidential advisers. Even though the actors' faces are hidden behind masks ... their gestures are phenomenally evocative." – St. Petersburg Times
Music
By special request, The Hornrims (featuring Joe Popp) covered two songs used in Jobsite's production of Embedded. You can hear their versions here:
"Fortunate Son" (originally by Creedence Clearwater Revival)
"For What It's Worth" (originally by Buffalo Springfield)
Radio
Listen to the Cast/Crew of Embedded on WMNF's 8/22/08 Art in Your Ear. (Fast forward to the 12 minute mark.)
Blog Us
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