Pack of Lies
By Hugh Whitemore

October 17 - November 8, 1997
Directed by Nick Backes

"If I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend, I hope I should have the guts to betray my country." -- E.M. Forster.

Set in a London suburb and based on true events, the play opens as the Jackson family greets their good friends and neighbors, the Krogers. The Jacksons are quickly thrust into the middle of an investigation by the mysterious Stewart, who tells them that the Krogers are Russian spies. Suddenly even innocent actions take on sinister meanings as the family struggles with deception and lies...and choosing between loyalty to their country or to their friends.

PACK OF LIES was the first play presented in the Arena Theatre after CST's move to Stage Center.

 
A view of the PACK OF LIES set.

NOTES FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT

"...in addition to the themes of loyalty and deception, I became increasingly preoccupied with the role of the ordinary citizen in our society. Is it ever possible for the average, relatively powerless, man or woman to make anything more than a token stand against officialdom? Is it not potentially risky to allow the state (albeit for well argued reasons) greater moral license than the individual? Or is it, perhaps, naive to expect more than an approximate degree of truthfulness from governments and their spokesmen?"

- Hugh Whitemore

Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

More Photos from Pack of Lies are featured at Don & Phil's Place.