Dead Tiger Talks: Iraq War Play Shocks London

The European premiere of Rajiv Joseph's unconventional black comedy in London introduces a startling premise: a tiger, shot during the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, returns from the dead. This resurrected animal not only speaks but engages in philosophical dialogue and existential questioning, adding a surreal dimension to the narrative.

The play delves into the experiences of war through the eyes of two US marines and their Iraqi interpreter, who once served Saddam Hussein's sons. While women characters are relegated to minor, often typecast roles, the tiger, emphatically female, commands attention with her unique perspective and rock-and-roll swagger, portrayed by Kathryn Hunter.

Director Omar Elerian masterfully handles the absurdist elements, creating a theatrical landscape that shifts between urban collapse and a symbolic Eden. Despite a sometimes baggy pace and diffuse tragedy, the production bravely blends comedy, horror, and intellectualism, offering a profound and refreshing theatrical experience that confronts dark themes with dark humor.