Culver City Observer -

Silent Torment was written by an Air Force veteran and stars military veterans who are wrestling with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). It is being presented at the Blue Door Theater in Culver City.

Steven, an injured U.S. Marine returns home to find that his life and reality have changed drastically, his physical injuries are only superficial compared to the pain he carries in his heart and mind. As he struggles to cope with his emotions and bitterness the relationships, he cherishes wither and he sinks deeper into a place of hurt and shame. His chance meeting with Roger, a Vietnam veteran sparks hope and a chance to be free of the destructive forces that torture him. As their relationship and trust build Roger attempts to help Steven face the harsh realities of his life experiences even as Steven struggles to find himself in the pain he carries. As Roger's fears build for Steven he reflects on his past and the battle he fought in his mind years before. He knows in his heart that only when Steven confronts the truth of his emotions does he have a chance to be free from the silent tormentor that tortures him. It is only in a tense standoff between life and death does Roger finally reveal his past and the pain he shares with Steven, in that moment both men are changed forever. Silent Torment was written by Daniel P. Ruffino and directed by Greg Shane. It runs through May 11 at the Blue Door, 9617 Venice Blvd. Culver City. Tickets can be purchased at the theater's website at: http://www.bluedoorculver.com

Veterans Empowerment Theatre (VET) was a program partner. VET is a performing arts program for military veterans that gives our nation's brave service members a safe environment to voice their own heroic stories, personal tragedies, and experiences. VET uses theatre and creative expression as a means for participants to confront their past and encourage them on their path to overcome addiction, effectively deal with PTSD, build job skills, and reintegrate into society.

VET presents a firsthand view of the soldiers' experiences in their most raw form, unfiltered by the press or military censorship. Productions give audiences greater insight into the difficulty facing veterans returning from deployment. Performances depict real encounters from the front lines of battle and expose the inner turmoil of the lasting scars, both external and internal endured from combat.