"Peace Crimes" - plot summary

July 10, 1970 - Frank and Diane discuss the draft board raid that he is leaving to do. He expresses his deepest fears. Together and with twenty others they had conducted the "Beaver 55" draft raid back in February. She is leaving to staff her battered women's center. Frank and seven others are ambushed by the FBI at three separate boards, put in jail, and named by the press as the "Minnesota8."

The diverse public reactions to their act are presented. They are indicted on "sabotage of the national defense," called traitors, read letters to the editor urging that they be hung from a float in the annual Aquitennial parade while also being called heroes by their supporters. As they prepare and call witnesses for their trials the roots of their commitment to nonviolent Resistance are explored.

Characters include: Fred Hampton, a Chicago Black Panther assassinated by the Chicago police. Father Al Janicke, a Roman Catholic priest who went to prison for the "Milwaukee 14" draft raids. Father Bill Hunt, a Roman Catholic priest, emeritus at Vatican Council II, and known as the local "bishop's theologian." Gordy Nielsen, Vietnam Veteran. Another veterans representing the Veterans for Peace. Marv Davidov, former "Freedom Rider" and noted teacher of nonviolent practice. A member of the American Academy for the Advancement of Science who describes the findings of the first research on the effects of herbicide on Vietnam's land and people, and American soldiers. Most notably, Daniel Ellsberg, who released the "Pentagon Papers" and tried to get them introduced as evidence. Lastly, various trial speech excerpts from members of the Eight.

The Eight are convicted, sentenced to a five year maximum sentence, and are in prison as the play ends. Woven throughout the play is the tension between Frank and Diane, the main characters. The impact of the early feminist struggles for equality play out in their love relationship. When he enters prison, she enters a feminist commune. Pete's mother struggles with having influenced her son to become an activist with her protective desire to keep him from prison. She pleads with him to make a deal and avoid prison time. Three of the draft board secretaries voice their outrage at the fear induced by the mindless, violent invasion of their office. These minor themes draw in the audience, offering an opening to empathize with multiple characters of diverse viewpoints.

Throughout the play, a timeline of draft board raids around the country as well as key events such as the Kent State and Jackson State killings is presented to the audience. Video footage of the war and campus protests. Anti-war, peace and counter-cultural songs from the period evoke a feeling of the tumult and turmoil of the Sixties.

All Eight were released on July 23, 1973. The final scene closes on that day.

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