Dov and Ali
such as Oleanna and Spinning
into Butter, Anna Ziegler’s
four-hander is an intense, intelligent
and hugely promising play
that plays out clashes of belief
systems in the classroom."
— the guardian (lyn gardner)
plot synopsis
“Once upon a time, in the middle of a school, in the middle of Detroit, in the middle of the United States of America, there was a confused teacher and a precocious student.” When Dov, an Orthodox Jew, and Ali, a strict Muslim, get caught in a cultural crossfire, both are confronted with the same choice: Will they stand by their beliefs or face the devastating consequences?
select productions
— Theatre503, London, 2008 (Directed by Alex Sims)
— The Playwrights Realm, NYC, 2009 (Directed by Katherine Kovner)
— Chester Theatre, NY, 2009 (Directed by Michelle Tattenbaum)
more press
“There are a lot of intelligent things to be said about Anna Ziegler’s Dov and Ali, after all, it is a play which faces up to burning issues that are relevant to us all, but there is really only one thing that needs to be said. Go and see it. [It’s] a powerhouse play…that pulls no punches. There is a resounding truth that pours out of it in all directions…and yet [it] doesn’t preach. There are no answers offered, no morals proffered, but when theatre is this good it reminds you how essential it is.” – WhatsOnStage, London ***** (5 stars)
“A flawless play…In a time of ceaseless snark and cynicism, its earnestness in asking bigger questions can be downright refreshing.” – New York Times