The Great Society at Seattle Rep

Above: Kenajuan Bentley (Photo by Jenny Graham)

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On Friday, December 5, over forty SAAS juniors had the opportunity to see The Great Society by Robert Schenkkan, father of SAAS graduate Josh ’10, as part of their history class curriculum. This 190-minute dramatization of Lyndon B. Johnson’s struggles in the oval office was produced at the Seattle Repertory Theatre and has sold out its entire run through January 4.

Jessica Whetzell ‘ 16 described the production as “a play that focuses on Lyndon B. Johnson’s involvement in the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement. The fluidity of the play is a pressing force, moved quickly by protests, a war against poverty, and the odds of deception. LBJ’s infamous stroll to failure is portrayed vigorously by a gradual slip of losing grasp of his country and militia. The Great Society is an alluring and crucial performance portraying a vital point in American history that should always be shown as a live act. Colossal and always ultimately influential figures such as Martin Luther King Jr, George Wallace, J. Edgar Hoover, and Robert McNamara make an incredible appearance as divine messengers of American history amidst all of its greatest flaws. America was unveiled as a divided nation by the commentary of such figures as well as the discussion of accomplishments and failures.”

For more information about the play, check out the Seattle Rep’s website.