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Laura Kepley
Conversations with the Creators of Boots on the Ground or The State of Our State During the War in Iraq
Laura Kepley and D. Salem Smith were the creators of the play Boots on the Ground, presented in 2006 by Trinity Repertory Company. This was a remarkable moment in Trinity’s history as the play was built directly from interviews with Rhode Islanders. Kepley and Smith talked with nearly 70 local soldiers and their families, medical workers, journalists, peace activists, ministers, and other citizens to record their stories of sacrifice and dedication in Iraq and here at home. One thing became clear: the war has come home. The creators of the play share their unique journey around the state, and their experience at homecomings, anti-war vigils, Veterans’ events, and dedications. If you think the war in Iraq doesn’t affect the Ocean State, listen to what Kepley and Smith have to say.
D. Salem Smith was awarded an Emerging American Artist Fulbright for playwriting in Dublin, Ireland, 2004-2005. While in Dublin, her work was with the Abbey Theatre and she served as a Visiting Academic at the Trinity College School of Drama. In 2002, she won a National Mellon Fellowship in the Humanities. Her work has also been recognized by writing and visual arts prizes from the University of Michigan and Princeton University. She currently is the commissioned writer for a new play for Trinity Rep., partnering again with director Laura Kepley.
Laura Kepley is the Artistic Associate and Peter Kaplan Fellow at Trinity Rep. Following their collaboration on the creation of Boots on the Ground, this team has been commissioned by Trinity to create a new work based on community issues. Ms. Kepley participated in the Women’s Playwriting Festival at Perishable Theatre and has directed numerous productions nationally. She teaches acting and directing to Brown University undergraduates.