Bob Woodward Tickets

Bob Woodward may be best known as an investigative journalist and author, but he also has a connection to the world of theater. In fact, his work has been adapted into plays on multiple occasions.

Woodward's most famous book, All the President's Men, was adapted for the stage by Artistic Director Jeffrey M. Cordell and produced in 1980 by the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. The play chronicles Woodward and colleague Carl Bernstein's investigation into the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The production received mixed reviews, with some critics noting it came across as a stale reenactment of events rather than a captivating drama.

In 2004, Woodward's book, Plan of Attack, which provides an insider's account of President George W. Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq, was turned into a play by David Hare and premiered at the National Theatre in London. The play was well-received and explored the political machinations leading up to the Iraq war through a series of dramatic vignettes featuring Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell, and other top officials.

Another noteworthy example of Woodward's work being adapted for the stage is the play Deep Throat, written by David Frum and premiered in 2008 at the Theatre J in Washington, D.C. The play explores the relationship between Woodward and his legendary Watergate source, known as Deep Throat, who was revealed decades later to be FBI official Mark Felt. Unlike the previous adaptation of All the President's Men, which focused on Woodward's and Bernstein's reporting process, Deep Throat delves into the complicated and secretive nature of journalism in the face of government corruption.

It should be noted that Woodward himself has not been directly involved in any of these adaptations, though he has acknowledged their existence and even attended premieres. Nonetheless, the fact that his books have inspired multiple plays shows the enduring appeal of investigative journalism and political dramas in the world of theater. From Watergate to Iraq, Woodward's work remains a fascinating lens through which to view some of the most pivotal moments in American history.