The Manchurian Candidate is a political thriller adapted to be a play on live stage. The version Westside Warrior Theatre presented is modernized in contrast to its original setting during the Cold War. Hypnosis and mind control are used in both versions, though by different people with different intentions.

The play reflects the corruption of American politics in today’s society. The house of cards rises from solitaire, a card game that triggers the main protagonist when a queen of diamonds is played. A senator plays the game of thrones with a power hungry wife, who uses her influence on her husband to gain power and control in Washington.

Along with this feud for high authority, the lady’s son is a combat veteran returning home from the Middle East and is received the Medal of Honor for saving his team. However, little does the young soldier know he has been programmed as a sleeper agent to assist in his programmer’s actions for power.

This particular adaption uses a style of theater called epic theatre. Bertolt Brecht, a 20th century playwright, created epic theatre. Everyone may not appreciate this style, but it is used to put the audience at arm’s length for analysis of the character’s motives and intentions. I don’t mind it personally but I’d wish the live musicians weren’t so off count at times.

The actors, for the most part, were convincing. The effects were unique but were not distracting from the plot. I enjoyed the humor, though I would not recommend bringing your kids to enjoy it yourself. Overall, The Manchurian Candidate has us question our own society with its political corruption and deceit.