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The Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble’s original trilogy of plays about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, The War Cycle, received a special citation at the 2011 LA Weekly Awards "for breadth of vision & clarity of purpose by an ensemble".

The highly anticipated third installment of Tom Burmester’s War Cycle, Gospel According to First Squad, takes place in the Theatre of War. On the brink of civilization in Eastern Afghanistan, deep in the deadly Korengal Valley, the men of First Squad walk the tightrope between boredom and terror everyday. In a valley lit by firestorms of chaos, courage can be proved by a casual walk to the burn-shitter.  As First Squad navigates the human terrain, winning hearts and minds from the Taliban, a new addition to their team threatens their mission, the populace, and their dreams of home.  Gospel According to First Squad will take you on a tour of duty -- as an American -- that will shine a light on our mission, our morals, and asks what you will do -- or won’t do -- to keep your freedom.

Critics' Choice

"This ‘Gospel’ is chapter and verse one of the finest war plays in recent memory."

Go!

"Electrifying!  Yes, it's another war play, but the first act moves so swiftly and the themes are presented so seamlessly, you find yourself gasping rather than groaning."

Critic's Pick

"Burmester's writing and his staggeringly stark staging are mesmerizing.  He has one of the finest and most committed ensemble casts performing on any Los Angeles stage this year."

Featured

"The War Cycle is one of the most impressive multi-play bodies of work to emerge from LA’s 99-seat theaters."

Stay tuned for future productions of Gospel According to First Squad.

Coming soon.