About the project
Rum and Vodka
Dramatic Reading of Rum and Vodka, by Conor Mcpherson
Directed by Bryan Doerries
Bringing to life Conor McPherson’s one-man play that speaks to the devastating effects of alcohol abuse, a dramatized reading by professional actors provokes discussions about addiction within diverse communities, including military installations, aircraft carriers, university campuses, and VA hospitals.
The part that struck me was the moment on the floor in his child's room. As a new father, that moment really hit me.
About the play
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Rum and Vodka by Conor Mcpherson
Rum and Vodka tells the story of a 24-year-old man living in Dublin, whose life is falling apart, in large part due to his drinking. But drinking, he believes, is the only way he can cope with his shame, anger, and an overwhelming feeling of being trapped in a life he did not choose for himself. The story follows the young man on a three-day bender, during which time he loses his job, cheats on his wife, and nearly destroys his family.
Rum and Vodka Highlights
Alex Morf delivers Rum and Vodka by Conor McPherson
United States Naval Academy / 2023
Image curtesy USNA by Kolkowski.
Panelists respond to Rum and Vodka
United States Naval Academy / 2023
Image curtesy USNA by Kolkowski.
CDR Jason Duff, Psy.D., MSN, MS, USN
United States Naval Academy / 2023
Our immense gratitude goes to CDR Jason Duff for his vision, leadership, partnership, and for bringing us back to Annapolis with a trio of projects: Rum and Vodka, Theater of War: Ajax, and Tape. Image curtesy USNA by Kolkowski.
Bryan Doerries facilitates Rum and Vodka
United States Naval Academy / 2023
Image curtesy USNA by Kolkowski.
Audience of Rum & Vodka
United States Naval Academy / 2023
Image curtesy USNA by Kolkowski.
Panelists respond to Rum and Vodka
United States Naval Academy / 2023
Image curtesy USNA by Kolkowski.
Alex Morf delivers Rum and Vodka by Conor McPherson
United States Naval Academy / 2023
Image curtesy USNA by Robertson.
Audience Member responds to Rum and Vodka
United States Naval Academy / 2023
Image curtesy USNA by Robertson.
Bryan Doerries facilitates the discussion about Rum and Vodka
United States Naval Academy / 2023
Image curtesy USNA by Robertson.
Panelists respond to Rum and Vodka
United States Naval Academy / 2023
Image curtesy USNA by Robertson.
Panelists respond to Rum and Vodka
United States Naval Academy / 2023
Image curtesy USNA by Robertson.
Panelists respond to Rum and Vodka
United States Naval Academy / 2023
Image curtesy USNA by Robertson.
Performance aboard Navy aircraft carrier
USS George Washington / 2016
Performance for Marine Helicopter One (HMX-1)
Marine Corps Headquarters, Quantico, VA / 2018
Explore Projects
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War & Mental HealthThe Tecmessa ProjectThe Tecmessa Project presents readings of Sophocles’s Ajax, an ancient play about the visible and invisible wounds of war, as the catalyst for discussions focusing on the unique challenges faced by military family members, including couples, children, caregivers, and communities. This project is designed to promote understanding, compassion, and positive action.
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Caregiving & DeathTheater of War FrontlineTheater of War Frontline is an innovative project—developed by Theater of War Productions, the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics and the Johns Hopkins Program in Arts, Humanities & Health—that presents dramatic readings by acclaimed actors of scenes from ancient Greek plays for audiences of frontline medical professionals to open up powerful dialogue about difficult subjects, fostering a sense of connection and promoting health-seeking behavior. By presenting ancient plays to doctors, nurses, EMTs, respiratory therapists, and the frontline community about emotionally-charged, ethically complex situations, Theater of War Frontline aims to create a brave space for open, candid dialogue and reflection, fostering compassion, a renewed sense of community, and positive action.
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Racism & Social JusticeThe Drum Major InstinctCommissioned by BRIC, The Drum Major Instinct engages audiences in dialogue about racism, inequality, and social justice. The performance features a dramatization of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final sermon, embodied by prominent actors and supported by a large gospel choir, composed of singers, activists, police officers, and musicians from St. Louis, MO, and Brooklyn, NY.