Playwrights often focus their pens on war and its aftermath. A new production at Edgewater's Raven Theater fits solidly within that tradition, while also breaking new ground.

'Blindside', produced by the Stockyards Theater Project, is written, produced and directed solely by women.

Stockyards managing director Francesca Peppiatt said that fact is an important one, because high-profile men's roles outnumber those for women by three to one, and fewer than 10 percent of working theater directors are women. The majority of published playwrights are men.

The project was founded in 1999 to advance the role of women in the performing arts.

"Our plays are not centered around women`s issues but rather about looking at the world through a woman's eyes," said Peppiatt.

Blindside arose out of a Stockyards effort called "Play for Keeps", that partners actresses with writers to create new powerful roles for women.

"Blindside" was written by Gemma-Cooper Novack and directed by Laura Blegen. It focuses on a female soldier, Sasha, and her return home. Though she is welcomed lovingly home by her family, it soon becomes evident that her devastating experiences of war are not left behind. This immediately impacts everyone around her.

The thought-provoking script clearly illustrates how the level of violence in war affects all of us long after the actual events. Blindside explores the lives of each family member, their relationship to each other, and shows how intricately woven their individual experiences are. The well-written and orchestrated plot requires excellent ensemble work, and the cast delivers.

An outstanding performance by Caren Blackmore as Breanna, Sasha's teenage sister-in-law, who provides comic relief one moment and then becomes the voice of reason in another.

Beth Hersey brings a balance of feminine sensitivity to the of Kira, Sashas sister; and Callie Munson shines as Dani, the career driven reporter, who must examine her own integrity. Rounding out the cast are Leeann Zahrt, Ian R. Tranberg, Steven Price and Cory Krebsbach.

The show opened Jan. 13 and will run until Feb. 17 at the Raven, 6157 N. Clark.

Tickets from $12 to $18.

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