Content Resources Page

Content Analysis

PLAY SYNOPSIS

Twelve minutes that changed everything—one of the most harrowing naval disasters in American history comes to life on stage. On July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was struck by two Japanese torpedoes and sank in just twelve minutes, leaving nearly 900 men adrift in the Pacific; five days later, only 321 would be rescued. *In the Soundless Awe* confronts the human cost behind this tragedy. Set twenty-two years after the sinking, the production centers on Charles Butler McVay III, the captain court-martialed and publicly disgraced in its aftermath. Alone and haunted by memory, McVay is visited by the specters of the men he lost, their voices rising from the depths in a chilling reckoning of duty, guilt, and sacrifice. Blending historical fact with psychological drama, this gripping work examines the burden of command, the complexities of accountability, and the enduring scars of war. Stark, immersive, and unflinching, *In the Soundless Awe* draws audiences into the final nightmare of a man forever tethered to the sea—and to the silence that followed, where answers remain as elusive as the depths themselves.

CHARACTERS

CAPTAIN CHARLES MCVAY III- Captain of the U.S.S. Indianapolis- An old man. 

THE GRAY WOMAN- A specter. 

SAILOR 1- Senior Chief Petty Officer. Late Twenties. 

 -Also plays MCVAYS FATHER, A VOICE, JUDGE 

SAILOR 2- Seaman. 18.  

 -Also plays SAWYER, JURY 1, PROSECUTOR, OVERHEAD VOICE  

SAILOR 3- Medic. Early 30’s.  

-Also plays GARNER, JURY 2, CAPTAIN HASHIMOTO  

MARINE- Marine. Second Lieutenant. 22.  

-Also plays GRIGGS, JURY 3, PROSECUTOR 2 

SAILOR 5- Seaman. Recently enlisted. 18.  

-Also plays MOTHER, JURY 4, McVAY’s MOTHER, LOUISE, ANOTHER  VOICE 

SAILOR 6- Petty Officer Third Class. 19.  

-Also plays JURY 5, DEFENSE, and A THIRD VOICE 

THEMES

War, Duty, and Leadership

The play examines the immense responsibilities of military leadership and the difficult decisions made during wartime. Captain McVay wrestles with questions of accountability, honor, and sacrifice as he confronts the aftermath of tragedy.

Survival and Human Resilience

At its core, the story is about endurance. Stranded sailors face overwhelming physical and emotional challenges while struggling to maintain hope in impossible circumstances.

Trauma and Survivor's Guilt

The emotional heart of the play centers on the lasting effects of trauma. Characters grapple with grief, loss, guilt, and memories that continue to haunt them long after the events themselves have ended.

Faith and Meaning

Throughout the play, characters turn to stories, faith, and one another in an attempt to make sense of suffering and find comfort amid despair.

Memory and Healing

The play explores how memories can shape a person's life, illustrating both the burden of the past and the possibility of reconciliation and peace.

CONTENT FOR PARENTAL CONSIDERATION

MATURE SUBJECT MATTER

Discussions of war, death, and loss

Emotional depictions of grief and survivor's guilt

Psychological distress, hallucinations, and trauma-related episodes

References to military casualties and wartime suffering

Some strong language

VIOLENCE AND DISTURBING IMAGERY

References to combat and the sinking of a naval vessel

Descriptions of severe injuries, burns, drowning, and death

Depictions of sailors stranded at sea experiencing starvation, dehydration, and exhaustion

References to shark attacks and dismemberment

Blood imagery and discussions of bodily injury

LANGUAGE

Mild to moderate profanity is used throughout the play, reflecting the realities of military life and the extreme circumstances faced by sailors during World War II. The language helps convey the fear, stress, and camaraderie of the characters and is used for historical authenticity rather than shock value.

Mild to moderate profanity, including words such as "hell," "damn," and "son of a bitch"

Wartime slang and coarse language reflective of the historical setting

Emotionally charged dialogue during scenes of crisis, trauma, and survival

Language is used to support historical authenticity and character development rather than for gratuitous effect

ALCOHOL/DRINKING

References to alcohol consumption in social settings

Mentions of drinking and intoxication among military personnel

SMOKING

References to cigarette smoking consistent with the World War II era

Smoking may be depicted depending on production choices

SPECIAL EFFECTS/SENSORY ADVISORY

Audience members should be aware that productions may include:

Loud sound effects, including explosions, alarms, ship noises, and battle sounds

Sudden lighting shifts, blackouts, and intense spotlight effects

Projections depicting wartime imagery, water, blood, and other distressing visuals

Atmospheric haze or fog effects

Emotional scenes involving panic, fear, grief, and psychological distress

Extended sequences portraying hallucinations, disorientation, and traumatic memories

RUNNING TIME

1 hour 45 minutes with no intermission

SHOW DATES

January 27 - February 14, 2027

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED AGE In The Soundless Awe?

Recommended for mature teens and adults due to strong themes of war, trauma, loss, disturbing imagery, and emotional intensity. 

HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS TO In The Soundless Awe?

Tickets prices vary between $25 and $80 depending on where you sit in the theater.

Executive Artistic Director’s Note

Theatre is an art form that from its inception has had the proven power to move and to stir the human spirit. This can have a wide variety of manifestations. We are often stirred up, and that kind of event can have us needing to talk to someone about it. We recommend that you find a licensed mental healthcare professional to help you work through difficult feelings that may have been stirred up by a play. You should always work with someone that you have a great connection with. If you need help starting that process, we recommend our partners at Ellie Mental Health as a starting place.

You might also be stirred to do something about how a particular play made you feel. Below we have provided a quick link to be able to donate to us here at the A. D. Players at the George Theatre. As a 501(c)3, we rely heavily on donations to continue the work that we do. If, however, you want to do something meaningful about some of the issues addressed by our shows, we are also including links to organizations that do meaningful work in the areas addressed by the content of our show. These are not exhaustive options, but merely starting places to help you on your journey to continue to effect change in your world.