The Body of an American, the Gate Theatre

Asking the question 'how is it possible to witness atrocities at war and remain sane?' the award-winning The Body of an American completes the Gate Theatre’s These American Lives season. The UK premiere of American war reporter Dan O'Brien's play is the last in a series of productions which have looked at various ways that modern Americans earn their living.

This play is based on the life of Pulitzer Prize-winning Canadian photojournalist Paul Watson and examines the psychological effects of working in conflict-torn areas. Spanning 20 years from 1993 to 2013 and hopping across continents and war zones, this innovative documentary drama brings together two men from very different worlds: Paul, the award-winning photojournalist, and Dan, an American writer grappling with a play about ghosts. As well as playing intriguingly with form, the play offers a formidable challenge to its two actors, who must play more than 30 roles between them.

When The Body of an American premiered at Portland Center Stage in 2012 it won the inaugural Edward M. Kennedy Prize, as well as the 2013 PEN Award for Drama, so we have high expectations as it arrives in London. O’Brien is also an acclaimed poet, and theatregoers who enjoy his drama should check out his latest poetry collection War Reporter , which won this year's Fenton Aldeburgh First Collection Prize.

Following the Almeida’s acclaimed production of Chimerica , now in the West End, and Vivienne Franzmann’s Royal Court play The Witness , the thorny ethics of photojournalism seem to be a hot topic for contemporary playwrights. We are looking forward to seeing what insights O’Brien has to add.

Tickets: £10-£20, £15 concs

Address and Map: Pembridge Rd, Greater London W11 3HQ

Underground: Notting Hill Gate