I am sorry not to have been interviewed for this article, so need to say these things here: Vicki Brown is the other live, on-stage, performer in the show, and an equal part of the collaborative team (which also originally included Shannon Cain, Beth Weinstein, Kaylene Torregrossa, and myself). The influences of all these artists remain part of the show whether they are actively and currently working on it or not, of course. The music/sound (composed specifically for the play) is a significant element creating mood, presence and dimension. The play was adapted for the stage by Shannon Cain, Lisa Bowden and Jeanmarie Simpson, based on the book *Powder: Writing by Women in the Ranks, from Vietnam to Iraq* (Kore Press, 2008)--the first ever collection of its kind to amass writing by women who have served in the US Military. This is activist theater (and for some, yes, it IS very much, at its root, anti-war theater---as the literature of war is an argument for peace.) Part of that activism is to create critical rather than polarizing dialog around the very complicated (and very human, and socially-politically charged) subject matter. The play presents true stories by women who are soldiers as well as writers--a rare combination. These are perspectives we are just beginning to hear more and more of at this moment in our history. The point of view is personal, the narratives often horrific, as is war, as is the discrimination and opposition women face while "serving" their country. Outrage, indignation, compassion, disgust, confusion, sorrow, pride, intrigue, sadness---these are the emotions you'd likely experience all at once while watching this production. *Coming in Hot* cannot be talked about accurately by glossing over or missing these points entirely.--Lisa Bowden, Director
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