This ferociously funny drama, follows the intertwined lives of a quick-witted tiger, two homesick American marines, and a troubled Iraqi gardener as they roam the streets of war-torn Baghdad in search of meaning, redemption, and a toilet seat made of gold. Surreal and darkly humorous, it explores the madness of life in war as well as the power and the perils of human nature.
There are moments of real gore and some sharply designed sequences that frame this fractured world with confidence. At points some choices drift into what feels like improvised territory and not every beat lands, but there’s a certain charm in that rawness, a looseness that suits a play already teetering between the surreal and the painfully human.
Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo is a complex show, that sometimes feels confusing. The play’s plot and dialogue is so scattered that it feels slightly chaotic. It deals with particularly heavy themes in an original and bold way, but there I also left with the feeling that I didn’t get all of it. Dark and unflinching, Joseph’s play is definitely not the easiest watch but still impactful. The play’s writing showcases Joseph’s wit, and it’s visual storytelling is a testament to its direction.
| 2011 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
| 2025 | West End |
West End |
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