Written and performed by Stephan Wolfert

Directed by Eric Tucker

Produced by DE-CRUIT

After six years in the Army, Stephan Wolfert hopped off an Amtrak deep in the mountains of Montana and found himself at a performance of Richard III that would change his life forever. In a heartrending 70 minutes, Wolfert discovers his own experience pre- and post- military service in the lines of some of Shakespeare’s famous speeches, all the while exploring the possibility of a new experience. Is there room for improvement in the way in which we reintegrate our veterans back into society? The military recruits citizens and wires them for war, but does not “de-cruit” them. How do we come together to relearn how to live? The performance is followed by an engaging talk back between actor, audience and veterans that dares to answer these questions.

“It chews you up and spits you out, as it were. It gives you chills while swathing you in empathy. Its horrific images of warfare are countered with angelic theatrical effects as the human heart is exposed. You haven’t quite been to a place like this, yet it’s homey and warmly embracing. A nightmare with raw nerves; it’s a plea for understanding and healing.”

–Houston Press

“Powerful theater can ensue when an artist simply, or not so simply, decides to bear witness: This is what I saw, this is what I experienced, this is what I think it means, this is why you should care. Stephan Wolfert commits himself body and soul to that mission in “Cry Havoc!” and the result is riveting.

–Boston Globe

 “What Wolfert has achieved in Cry Havoc! Is unique –something accessible and engaging to spectators whether they’re veterans or not. It’s a war story, but an unconventional and brutally honest one”

–The Village Voice

Stephan Wolfert – Actor/Writer/Director; AEA/SAG member; U.S. Army ’86-’93 – Medic and Infantry Officer. Stephan left a career in the military for a life in the theatre after seeing a production of Shakespeare’s Richard III. Stephan received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Trinity Rep Conservatory in Providence, RI in 2000. On Broadway, Stephan helped to create the military segments for Twyla Tharp and Billy Joel’s Tony Award-winning Movin’ Out. As an actor, director, writer and teaching artist Stephan has worked throughout North America and abroad. He has worked for decades: examining Shakespeare from a military veteran’s perspective, working with fellow military veterans and scientists, and using Shakespeare’s text and classical actor training to heal trauma and to aid in the transition from military service back into life as a civilian. For his work with Shakespeare & Veterans, Stephan has received a certificate of appreciation from the City Council of Los Angeles, presented by fellow veteran and councilman the late Bill Rosendahl. He has been published in the fields of both art and science for his work, Stephan is also a member of the NYU think tank PACH (Project for the Advancement of our Common Humanity). The founder of DE-CRUIT, Stephan, now based in New York City, continues his work with veterans nationally and internationally.