In Pugilist Specialist, four highly-trained U.S. soldiers are assigned the task of eliminating a troublesome Middle Eastern leader. This psychological thriller unfolds in a series of field recordings, detailing the planning, execution and mishandling of modern political assassination. Utilizing an array of literary influences from Moby Dick to the Marine Corps Manual, Pugilist Specialist dissects the American military's hunt for evil in foreign lands. > see all reviews

Pugilist Specialist, a Riot Group/Chantal Arts Ltd. co-production, was first presented at the Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh, on August 1, 2003 and subsequently opened at the Soho Theatre, London, on January 11, 2004. The London engagement was extended at the Riverside Studios. This production opened in New York on September 13, 2004 at the 59E59 Theater and subsequently extended its run at the Culture Project @ 45 Bleecker St. The cast was as follows:

LT. STEIN	Stephanie Viola
LT. STUDDARD	Drew Friedman
LT. FREUD	Adriano Shaplin
COL. JOHNS	Paul Schnabel
Directed and designed by	The Riot Group
Stage Manager	Maria Shaplin

Pugilist Specialist received the Scotsman First of the Firsts Award and the Herald Angel award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2004. photo credit: Aaron Epstein