'Mud House' plays at Ziggurat of Ur

By Spc. Creighton Holub, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div.November 17, 2008

The Ziggurat of Ur stands as a historical backdrop to the Mud House performance held on Contingency Operating Base Adder Nov. 9. Iraqi children, many from Nasiriyah, and hundreds of citizens were seated on carpets and metal bleachers during the perfo...
The Ziggurat of Ur stands as a historical backdrop to the Mud House performance held on Contingency Operating Base Adder Nov. 9. Iraqi children, many from Nasiriyah, and hundreds of citizens were seated on carpets and metal bleachers during the perfo... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - Several hundred Iraqi citizens enjoyed a nighttime performance of the Mud House play at the Ziggurat of Ur Nov. 9.

The ziggurat stood as the backdrop of the Mud House actors' performances. The audience filled the air with laughter, and citizens and leaders of the Dhi Qar province learned a better way to use and care for their historic ziggurat.

"The Dhi Qar Provincial Reconstruction Team organized this event," said Lt. Col. Mark Nelson, the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division deputy commander. "This is the third of three shows. The Iraqi people were enthralled and very appreciative, with lots of clapping and standing ovations."

The event not only made people laugh, but the story line focused on culture and how to appreciate historical sites.

"We are trying to rebuild their culture and the rule of law," explained Dr. Anna Prouse, the Italian leader of the Dhi Qar PRT. "We are here to rebuild that part of society that was destroyed by 35 years of dictatorship. That's why we host events like (the Mud House play), so the people can start smiling again."

She explained that under Saddam Hussein's rule, the ziggurat was part of an air force base and off-limits to Iraqi citizens.

"Most people here have never been able to even see the ziggurat before tonight," Prouse added. "(The ziggurat and other historical sites nearby) are going back to the Iraqi people, and we need to show them how to properly use archeological sites."

Children from the local communities, including Nasiriyah, received front row seats, sitting on colorful and thick embroidered carpets in front of the historic ziggurat.

Many of Dhi Qar's provincial government leaders also attended the marquee event, including the chief of police and the deputy governor.