MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.343.8790

Press Release A080507d
May 7, 2008

First Iraqi comedy performance in Wasit since 2003 (Al Kut)

FOB DELTA – Actors from the popular Iraqi sitcom “Mud House” performed the first comedic play since 2003 in al-Kut, Wasit Province, 125 kilometers southeast of Baghdad, Sunday.

Roughly 1,500 people filled Municipality Hall in al-Kut to see the play, which was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State in coordination with the 214th Fires Brigade and the Iraqi Police.

Iraqi Police estimated another 3,000 people were waiting outside the theater, said Vanessa Beary, public diplomacy officer for the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team. “The large turnout was a positive indicator of Wasit’s desire for a return to normalcy,” she said.

Col. Peter Baker, commander of the 214th, said the event gave the people of Wasit an opportunity to forget their troubles, if only for a night. “It was impossible not to be caught up with the audience’s laughter,” he said. “I was challenged by the language barrier, but the actors were so good … it transcended both language and cultural barriers.”

Iraqi Security Forces handled security for the event. 1st Lt. Randy Heath, a platoon leader for Company F, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, said the event demonstrated a big step forward in security. “The community had trust in the security provided by the Iraqi Police and the Iraqi Army,” he said.

Baker noted that the ISF remained conscious of the risks posed by the large number of people gathered. “It’s an indication of the growth of their capabilities. They are more proactive and organized. There were no incidents.”

Because of the large turnout, the actors held an encore performance Monday.

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