This changes though later on in the play. Nick comes in and takes over directing from Lewis, and when he learns of the soldiers in the play being Albanian, he becomes annoyed that Lewis would make fun of the people who are supporting the Vietcong, when that is who they are trying to help by protesting against the Vietnam War. Hearing of this support for communists, Henry becomes angry, referring to Lewis and Nick as traitors, and attacking Nick. On page 47, Henry reveals that his father fought against communists. He hears Nick swear, and in his anger says, " I do not work with ttttraitors. Australia is at war against communists and you you sssstab my father in the back." Henry later tells of his father dying in Korea, where he fought against communists. This is a very important development in the play, as it gives a contrasting idea to the values and attitudes of the Vietnam War posed by Nick, Lucy and Lewis, and so creates conflict. It is this conflict which engages the reader or viewer, and makes them aware of the situation in Vietnam, and presents two very different views on the issue.
.
Lewis is the director of the play, and is hesitant at first due to the fact that these people are mad, but as his character develops, he finds that they are normal people, with some different needs. In the beginning, Lewis only takes up the position as director for the money that will result. This is seen in a negative manner, and reader or viewer is given the impression that Lewis classes himself far away from these people, showing the lack of acceptance in society of the mentally ill. This is also shown on page 2, when Roy introduces himself to Lewis as a patient whilst Nick and Lucy are present. As soon as this is known to Nick and Lucy that Roy is a patient, they quickly find an excuse to leave, despite having promised to help Lewis with the play. In this instance, Nick and Lucy represent society outside the asylum, and demonstrate this negative attitude toward the mentally ill.
