BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO by Rajiv Joseph

I saw BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO, a new play by Rajiv Joseph, on June 4 at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. The play has received significant attention including "Outstanding New American Play" as part of a new initiative from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The play is a somewhat lyrical, darkly humorous playing revolving around the Iraqi war, greed and cross cultural communication. It is directed by Moises Kaufmann, who is the co-founder of Tectonic Theater Project. Moises Kaufmann directed Doug Wright's I AM MY OWN WIFE, winner of the Tony for best play and the Pultizer Prize. Moises Kaufmann just completed a run of 33 VARIATIONS with Jane Fonda and 33 VARIATIONS has been Tony nominated.

Moises Kaufmann's direction is fascinating. I enjoyed his vibrant use of the actor's body to transcend time and place and he certainly magnifies visual compositions which reinforce the playwright's intent beautifully. Mr. Joseph states "that the play revolves around the act of translation: An individual standing between two others [alive and dead] and trying to facilitate communication and some sense of understanding." The production seems to encourage us all to search for significance without violence.

I was particularly taken by Arian Moayed's performance as Musa, the Iraqi translator. I seemed to want to watch his every move, emotional nuance and stamina. I was also impressed with Hrach Titizian as Uday, the dead son of Saddam Hussein. His muscular physical control and his stunning voice work kept me deeply intrigued.

The scenic designer, Derek McLane, also designed 33 VARIATIONS and I AM MY OWN WIFE and the recent revival of THE PAJAMA GAME (2006). The openness and flow of the play's world was simple but beautiful, particularly with the topiary garden.

From a acting teacher/director perspective, even experienced stage actors need to continue working on the vocal muscle. So much of the time, since this piece is so intense, the intensity went into the actor's throat and upper pitches, something I talk about all the time in my work with inexperienced actors.

Stop the war! -- I cry out for peace, spiritually, personally and politically!