Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo

When an atheist suddenly finds himself walking around after death, he has got some serious re-evaluating to do.

Iraq, well into the new millennium. A fast-talking Tiger haunts the streets, plagued by a fundamental question: “Why am I here?”

And he’s not the only one.

US forces have long since toppled Saddam Hussein, yet Baghdad remains aflame. In the chaos, the lives of American Marines Tom and Kev collide with Iraqi translator Musa after their chance encounters with the Tiger. Iraqi or American, man or beast, they are all searching for meaning, revenge, forgiveness, and a solid gold toilet seat that’s worth a fortune. Rajiv Joseph’s dark comedy received multiple Tony nominations and recognition as a Pulitzer Prize finalist after it’s Broadway run.

Now in its European premiere, Omar Elerian brings this surreal and profound play to the Young Vic.