Documentary Showcases Soldiers’ Theatre Production
VICENZA, Italy – Months of diligent filming and editing culminated in a successful project for Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Henninger, station manager of American Forces Network Vicenza, who worked tirelessly to unveil the narratives behind the Soldiers’ Theatre production of “Clue.”
“Behind the Curtain” Documentary Premiere
The documentary titled “Behind the Curtain” offers a 41-minute glimpse into the lives of Soldiers, civilians, and family members involved in the 2022 production. The premiere took place on August 27 and was attended by numerous community members from U.S. Army Garrison Italy. The film highlights the extensive effort, time, and dedication required to produce a show. Viewers witness auditions, pre-production activities, behind-the-scenes moments, and performance clips, following the team from rehearsals to the Installation Management Command Europe TOPPER Award ceremony.
Feedback from the Audience
Chandler Rand, a member of the audience at the premiere, shared, “I found the documentary to be incredibly impressive. It is evident that a great deal of care was invested in creating a cohesive and high-quality piece that weaves together diverse yet relatable stories from our community members.”
Henninger’s Journey and Vision
After Henninger arrived in October 2021, he performed with his wife during the holiday show, which he described as a fantastic experience that helped him settle into a new community. Following a rehearsal one evening, he discussed with Soldiers’ Theatre Director Jerry Brees his interest in documenting the production process of a play, a proposal that Brees eagerly accepted.
Capturing the Production Process
Brees expressed excitement about exploring the backstage narrative, believing it would provide audiences a rare glimpse into what goes on beyond the final production. Henninger began filming shortly after the holidays, determined to showcase the extensive efforts involved in theater production.
Collaborative Effort in Filmmaking
Henninger acknowledged the scale of the project, sharing that it involved months of filming and editing, which he had planned to undertake alongside his regular work hours. After receiving the green light from his wife, he engaged his AFN Vicenza team, who showed enthusiasm for this pioneering endeavor within the Vicenza military community, contributing to nearly 2 terabytes of footage and 50 interviews.
Future Prospects and Community Engagement
Looking ahead, the 41-minute documentary may be submitted to various film festivals. Henninger noted its potential to provide a unique insight into military culture and community life overseas. Soldiers’ Theatre continually offers volunteer opportunities to community members, and upcoming productions include “Compulsive Laughter,” which will be staged between late September and mid-October. Excitingly, Henninger is set to take the stage as a cast member in this upcoming production.
