Playwright David Edgar (Pentecost, Nicholas Nickelby) provides a rare window into the processes of mapping out a delicate peace as the play moves thrillingly between the drama of the negotiating table and the theater of war.

The Prisoner's Dilemma premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Company. This, the third play in Edgar's trilogy about the new Europe that emerged in the wake of the Cold War, boldly reflects the challenges and obstacles to peace found throughout the world today. The Prisoner's Dilemma is the inaugural production of Theatre Mir, dedicated to exploring global, social and political issues through theatrical productions, humanities events and education programs.

Post-Show Panel Discussion: Conflict Negotiation: Peace Versus Justice
On June 22, following the 3:30pm performance of The Prisoner's Dilemma, the relationship between peace and justice in the midst of conflict and war will be discussed by a panel. The discussion is free with ticket purchase to the performance.

Panelists:
Max Cerda is a former gang member who was convicted of murder and now works as a Violence Interrupter for CeaseFire in the Humboldt Park Community, mitigating street conflict, preventing retaliation violence, supporting families of victims and encouraging youth to adopt alternatives to anger, hatred and revenge.

Htun Aung Gyaw was a leader in the December 5, 1974, student uprising in Burma who was sentenced to life by a military tribunal without legal representation. He was released and now continues to work for peace and justice for his country as President of the Civil Society of Burma.

Valerie Mrak is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose latest project, "Journey to Peace," profiles three private citizens as each one makes a hero's journey through complex, difficult and violent historical circumstances, and finds the courage to stay committed to nonviolence.