Two Theatrical Responses to War: Embedded and Stuff Happens

Two notable plays, "Embedded" and "Stuff Happens," critique the war in Iraq and the plans leading up to the Iraqi invasion. "Embedded" is an incisive satire by Tim Robbins that premiered in the United States in November 2003. "Stuff Happens," by British playwright David Hare, weaves historical speeches and fictional scenes into a historical drama that premiered in London in September 2004. Both plays have been acclaimed as compelling, masterful dramas and condemned as one-sided propaganda. The paper will utilize a cross-disciplinary approach to draw relevant insights about propaganda and analyze whether or not "Embedded" and "Stuff Happens" should be considered propaganda.