Event

The Ghosts of Tonkin

It will devastate two countries.
It will topple the President of the United States.
It will kill two million people.
And one man will try to stop it before it begins.

August 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the Gulf of Tonkin resolution that authorized military intervention in Vietnam.

This award-winning play dramatizes the behind-the-scenes story of how seemingly well-intentioned public officials brought about one of the most devastating chapters in the history of the United States: The Vietnam War.

In 1964, Oregon's Senator Wayne Morse was an outspoken critic of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that authorized military intervention in Vietnam. Senator Morse was one of only two congressmen to vote against the resolution.

The Ghosts of Tonkin is based on telephone conversations, senate transcripts, recently declassified NSA documents, and other sources. In addition to Wayne Morse, characters include LBJ, Robert McNamara, Dean Rusk, William Fulbright, as well as several fictitious characters.

Post-play discussion moderated by KGMI radio host Joe Teehan on August 29. Janet Marino, executive director of the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center, moderates on August 30.

Veterans and students under 18 allowed in free.

More information: www.BellinghamTheatreWorks.org