Lost in the human ZOO

The Bangkok Theatre Festival has ended, but the lights are still on until teh year's last weekend at the Makhampom Studio.

On a sunny day, Peter, a middle-class publishing executive in his early 40s, is reading peacefully on a bench at Central Park when Jerry, an isolated, disheartened, and weary man in his late 30s, shows up. Probably also mentally ill, Jerry is desperate to have a meaningful conversation with another human being. Peter’s peace is then interrupted by Jerry’s interrogation and narration of his life story and his recent visit to the zoo. Then, all lead to a shocking ending.

Can "The Zoo Story", the 1959 play by one of the most highly celebrated American playwright Edward Albee, resonate in today's Thailand?

The absurdist drama has been a favourite of Arthri Vanichtrakul since she read it in college. Now she's directing it for the Bangkok Troupers, who earlier this year gave us "The Mind Game" and "The M Project".

The play deals with many themes such as isolation of human existence in the post-World War II world, dehumanization in a commercial world, social disparity, and loneliness, but Arthri is drawn in particular to its theme of individuals failing to communicate. 

"It's closer to us than we think," says the Bangkok University lecturer who previously staged "Rashomon" and "Na Rak Na Ron".

"We might not consider this American masterpiece very relevant to us. Albee was specific in creating the play's two characters, but we're all like them in many ways.”

"The play gives me an image of a cage - each individual living in a cage, framed by many bonds," she says. "We know that if we break free once in a while and get to understand one another better, we may be happier, but we frequently choose not to."

English-major graduate Nithina Preechatavekij spent almost a year translating Albee's original under the supervision of veteran director Dangkamon Na Pombejra.

Korapoch Suebchompoo, and Sao Soong Theatre Group's Kiiti Meechaikhet both BU alumni, form the cast.

“Korapoch performed Jerry marvelously last year, as part of his senior project in acting. But now he’s pairing up with Kitti, he suits the role of Peter better, and he also wants to try a different role, so we switched.”

English surtitles will be projected.

“The Zoo Story” runs from December 19 - 21, and 26-28, at Makhampom Studio at Saphan Kwai intersection (5-minute walk from BTS Saphan Kwai, parking at nearby Big C). Showtimes are 7:30pm, with 4pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are Bt 200, bookable by calling 08 6600 657. For more details, email Arts-Hub@hotmail.com.

written by Pawit Mahasarinand

published in Daily Xpress on Friday, December 19, 2008

Xpress photo by Daranat Denkiriyadeelerd