Sayyid Aki Archives - North West End UK

The basic premise of Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo prompted a profound reaction in this particular citizen of the planet, who also happens to love theatre. Rajiv Joseph has written a play addressing the cataclysmic consequences of the American invasion of Iraq and downfall of the Saddam regime. This is a topic that’s uncomfortable for many. It’s awkward for those who cheered, engineered and gleefully took part in it. It’s also a thorny subject for the millions who looked away as it unfolded and lazily enabled the horror. The former and current citizens of Iraq undoubtedly have feelings on this matter which run deeper than sporadic discomfort. There are many whose livelihoods and sanity are invested in either keeping this topic off the table, or muddying the waters. Creative projects w...

Farrah Chaudhry’s new play and, seemingly, first play is set in the epicentre of the second city and tells a comedic tale of coming of age, identity and belonging. Zoya and Leyla are ethically, morally and politically in different leagues. While Zoya could be best described slightly spoiled. Leyla is the epitome of nose-to-the-grindstone communal responsibility. When Zoya’s parents decide she no longer has a place in their home (for reasons we’re eager to discover but are never told) she turns to her friend for help, support and a couch to sleep on. Thus begins the story and were this the TV Times, I could add “with hilarious consequences” though that wouldn’t be entirely accurate. Parts are funny, parts are very funny and lots of it works very well. It’s patchy in parts, though, and ha...

Tag: Sayyid Aki

Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo – Young Vic

Community – Birmingham Rep