Photo by Jill Steinberg
When the dust settles, what remains? Weaving together the voices of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, Moral Injuries of War is a visionary production that brings the untold stories of war to the American public.
Using National Sawdust’s Meyer Sound spatial sound system, this immersive experience combines 3D spatial audio with ambient visual design to invite us to journey alongside veterans as they grapple with their memories. This profound experience, which innovates at the intersection of testimony, civic engagement, and community, will make you question everything you believe about war.
The immersive listening experience will be followed by a live conversation with veterans and war journalists, hosted by the artist and psychologist Jack Saul and renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel. The program will close with an exploration of embodied action, led by Leslie Salmon Jones and Jeff W. Jones of Afro Flow Yoga®.
This production is made possible by a gift from the estate of Mitsuru Yasuhara in hopes of creating opportunities for beauty and healing in the face of trauma.
Please note: Due to explicit content and language, Moral Injuries of War is not recommended for children. This production contains discussion of violence.
May 2, 2024 at 7:30 pm
May 3, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Jack Saul, Project Director
Jack Saul is the founding director of The International Trauma Studies Program, a research and training institute based in NYC. As a psychologist and artist, he has created numerous psychosocial programs for populations that have endured disaster, war, torture, and political violence. He is known for his innovative work integrating testimony, healing, media and the expressive arts. His book Collective Trauma, Collective Healing was published by Routledge Mental Health Classics.
Esther Perel, Collaborator
Psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author Esther Perel is recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. Fluent in nine languages, Esther brings a rich multicultural perspective to her clinical practice and lectures around the globe. Ms. Perel served on the faculty of The International Trauma Studies Program and The Ackerman Institute for the Family. She is the host of the hit podcasts Where Should We Begin and How’s Work. Her latest podcast project, Love in War, features one-time couples therapy sessions with couples impacted by the war in Ukraine.
Leslie Salmon Jones and Jeff W. Jones, Collaborators
Leslie Salmon Jones and Jeff W. Jones are the co-founders of Afro Flow Yoga®, an integrated embodied practice rooted in the African Diaspora. This transformative practice combines yoga, dance, sound healing, and live music to foster individual and collective healing within a compassionate, inclusive, and safe environment. Leslie, an Alvin Ailey-trained dancer, yoga practitioner, and wellness coach, extends her impact globally through speaking, coaching, and teaching. She is also a co-creator and faculty member for the Omega Women’s Leadership Intensive. Jeff, a multi-talented instrumentalist, vocalist, sound healer, composer, and musical director, brings a wealth of experience from performing and opening for musical greats like Little Richard, Al Green, and Zap Mama. His musical journey includes performances for the inaugurations of President Barack Obama and Governor Deval Patrick. Together, Leslie and Jeff co-facilitate retreats and workshops, including the Mind Body program at the Cory Johnson Trauma Education Program, providing a secure space for individuals to share narratives of trauma, healing, hope, and recovery. Their shared passion extends to intergenerational, multicultural empowerment, education, healing, spirituality, and the overall well-being of the global community they serve.