THE STORY: When an American translator ventures to a Middle East combat zone, an overfriendly neighbor back home volunteers to help his wife and son as they come to terms with his absence. As events abroad begin to spiral out of control, lives are turned upside down, and all are forced to confront the complexities of war, the fragility of language, and the meaning of neighborliness in an age of terror.
“Imaginative and engaging. Plays about the conflict in Iraq have mostly focused on the experience of soldiers or the politicians who put them in danger, but Steven Levenson’s sensitive drama is welcome for the imaginative sympathy it extends to the families left behind.” —The New York Times.
“Affecting, stylistically ambitious and poignant. Levenson displays a refreshing willingness to experiment with language and tone.” —Variety.
“Impressive and ambitious in scope.” —Associated Press.
“Heart-tugging. This keenly scripted drama tells a deeply human tale about connection and communication. Levenson’s tools include sharp, slow-burning dialogue and startling levels of empathy.” —Time Out New York.
“Riveting. THE LANGUAGE OF TREES is full of nail-biting suspense [and] snappy dialogue.” —Village Voice.
