“Basetrack,” a multimedia production about the realities of war, played at the

Lied Center of Kansas on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

While most of the audience was composed of a large group of middle school and

high school students, there were also older and middle-aged audience members scattered

throughout the auditorium.

One particular high school student in the audience, Michael Magyar, realizes the

importance of such productions as “Basetrack,” and realizes its educational value.

“It’s really eye-opening…and they show you a different side…and brings

awareness to that kind of stuff,” said Magyar.

This refers an inside perspective about relationships between soldiers and

civilians back home, death of their friends, and the challenges that arise with returning

home. While the actors portray these scenarios, the real life testimonies from soldiers are

also played on screen.

The interviews with the real soldiers came from Basetrack project, which

embedded journalists with the 1/8, 1st Battalion, Eighth Marines, throughout their

deployment in Afghanistan. The collection of videos and photographs gathered by

journalists were then incorporated into “Basetrack.”

“I was overwhelmed at times, I laughed at times, it was incredibly well done,”

said audience member Jerrye VanLeer.

“Basetrack” will continue its national tour at eleven different universities until

March 2015.