Opera 'Grounded' Examines Emotional Toll of Drone Warfare, Sponsored by General Dynamics
Date
4/20/2023 3:42:57 AM
(MENAFN) The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC is set to host an innovative opera production that explores the life of a drone pilot, sponsored by General Dynamics, one of the world's largest weapons manufacturers. The opera, titled 'Grounded', is based on a 2013 play by George Brant and features music composed by Jeanine Tesori. It tells the story of "Jess," a highly skilled F-16 pilot who, due to an unexpected pregnancy, is reassigned to operate drones in Afghanistan from a trailer in Las Vegas. Jess finds herself grappling with the moral implications of her role as a drone pilot, as she "tracks terrorists by day and rocks her daughter to sleep by night." The production seeks to examine the emotional toll of modern warfare and the impact of technology on the individuals responsible for executing military operations.
The opera is set to premiere in October and has already generated significant buzz among theater-goers and industry insiders alike. The Kennedy Center's website describes the production as an exploration of "what's lost when technology distances us from the horror of war" and the price that is paid by those who operate drones from a remote location. The story raises important questions about the impact of technology on modern warfare and the psychological toll it takes on those who are tasked with executing military operations.
General Dynamics, the sponsor of the opera, is one of the largest weapons manufacturers in the world, and has a significant presence in the defense industry. The company is responsible for building the F-16 fighter jets piloted by the fictional heroine of the opera, as well as a variety of vehicle-launched attack drones. Its former subsidiary, General Atomics, is a major manufacturer of the MQ-9 Reaper drones that have been used extensively in Afghanistan, including in the 2021 strike that killed a family of unarmed civilians in Kabul.
The production of 'Grounded' has sparked important conversations about the role that the arts can play in exploring complex social and political issues, and the responsibilities that come with accepting sponsorship from powerful corporations. While some have criticized the decision to accept funding from a weapons manufacturer, others argue that the production provides a valuable opportunity to examine the human cost of modern warfare and the impact of technology on military operations.
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