Walking into Lynn Nottage's latest play, Mlima's Tale, at The Public, I was concerned it would be an upsetting experience. What I didn't realize is that it would be a dull experience. Yes, it is an upsetting experience. How can a play centered on the death of an African elephant not be? But it wasn't as moving as it should have been. Have I been desensitized by the senseless violence and greed we hear about constantly when it comes to animals? Is there anything left to say about the slaughter of innocent animals for wealth? If Mlima's Tale is any indication then no, there isn't. Nottage doesn't tell us anything we don't already know, she doesn't surprise us with this information about the corrupt ivory trade, and quite frankly, I couldn't find it in me to be interested at all. Yes, the device she employs of having Sahr Ngaujah (who never fails to give great performances) portray the titular elephant, and then his tusks, as they travel around ...
Theater reviews and commentary by Alyssa Maher.