Kenny Carnes is a unique individual. A New Englander and former Army attack helicopter pilot, now with a masters in holistic counseling, he has a one-man show, currently touring the U.S., that talks about three generations of soldiers, called "Pieces of War." (It's also available in book form from Amazon.com).
From the promotional material about the show:
No words can relay the experiences endured while in a combat environment. But, through public performance and open recognition we attempt to capture meaning in order to mend the wounded warrior.
Written largely in rhapsodic verse "Pieces of War" is a one-man show delivering a rapid fire cadence of rhyme and rhythm to weave a portfolio of stories from three generations of American war fighters. As a son returns home from Iraq his grandfather recalls his victories at Normandy while a father becomes lost in his voiceless shame trying to forget Vietnam. Inspired by true stories, Carnes live theatrical performance makes meaning through conflict, captures understanding through provocative contemplation and unites audiences in common dialogue surrounding the universal journey of the hero in all.
Our post-show interaction forum invites soldiers to dialogue with audience and artists so theatre can become a gateway to community recognition, healing and personal reintegration. Our partner programs in attendance offer unique training options helping soldiers and their families to reunite and read just upon home coming.
During a recent post show discussion a Vietnam Veteran ("Sgt. Jon Doe") was able to disclose his traumatic wartime experience for the first time in 35 years! "Sgt. Jon Doe" was so physically shaken from the catharsis energized by "Pieces of War" that it marked the beginning of his therapeutic process. Thanks to the well trained staff like those at Brown University, men and women like "Sgt. Doe" begin to heal from the embracing support of a caring, listening community.
"We do not fight to end the war."
"We do not fight to bring them home."
"Our fight begins when they get here."
Many of our war veterans experience an often silent, but always serious readjustment process upon their return home from the warfront. This workshop provides a unique opportunity to reestablish oneself back into the fabric of family, the workforce and the social position. Participation in intensive workshops, trainings and extended programs provides veterans, soldiers and family members an alternative to the traditional combat decompression process. Designed by combat vets for combat vets as an effective training and experiential retreat, facilitators bring those enrolled to a new level of managing life, career and family roles. Working with other combat veterans soldiers will strengthen coping skills, secure re-alignment and foster leadership for post-war recovery periods.
For a link to Carnes' veteran readjustment workshop, click here.
Carnes' book, Pieces of War, is available on Amazon.com, and is linked here.
http://kennycarnes.com/video_warpeace_6mins_dialup_WMA.WMV
Editor's note: For more information about Kenny Carnes, see below:
Kenny Carnes (SAG, AFTRA) is a theatrical artist, story teller and performance poet who stages an array of original solo-plays to create thought provoking arts-based dialogues built upon current events. As a “Master of the Monologue” his theatrical creations act as sharp instruments that examine the human condition shape-shifting himself through a portfolio of archetypal characters that transport audiences on an existential journey toward their own richer understandings and internal truths.
Carnes has been called, “…a powerful messenger” by NY-Theater.com and praised for his oral poetry which artfully unites polarities and diversities. Appearing on hundreds of notable stages such as the Woodstock Historic Theatre, The Carnival Center for the Arts, The Admiral Theatre and St. Michael’s Playhouse his solo performances touch thousands each year. “His provocative playwriting has an enormous capacity to heal and transform us,” Brown University and his rapid fire rhapsodic verse deemed him "the EMINEM of Theater” by The Providence Journal.
Since training at the American Conservatory Theater his original monologues have gone on to educate, enlighten and heighten social awareness at universities, theaters, performing arts centers and on corporate campuses. With a Master of Arts in Holistic Counseling with a thesis concentration on Expressive Arts Therapies from only one of three graduate programs of its kind in the United States, Carnes meets the growing need for integral solutions through his action-based workshops for students, executives and artistic leadership. Kenny Carnes recently received united praise from southern New Englanders for his radio show “Voices of Freedom” on WPRO News Talk 630, has appeared on National Public Radio and has worked as creative talent for Twentieth Century Fox, NBC-Television, Citadel Communications, Clear Channel and KLRU-PBS. He lives in New England where he develops, writes and produces new works for the stage.
