Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo: A Must-See Theatre
There's a new play at the Young Vic theatre in London called 'Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo'.
It's about a ghost tiger that talks and wanders around the city of Baghdad, which has been damaged by war.
The tiger thinks about life and what it means to exist.
The play is based on a real event that happened in 2003, when a starving tiger in a zoo in Baghdad was shot by an American soldier.
The play is funny and deep, and people are saying it's a must-see.
The main actor, Kathryn Hunter, is amazing in her role as the tiger.
The play is a bit confusing at times, but it's also very powerful and makes you think.
It's running until the end of January, so you can go see it if you want to experience something unique and thought-provoking.
The play 'Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo' is currently running at the Young Vic theatre in London until 31 January.
It is based on a real event from 2003 where a starving Bengal tiger in Baghdad's zoo was shot by an American soldier.
The play features a talking ghost of a tiger that haunts the streets of Baghdad and reflects on the nature of existence.
Kathryn Hunter delivers a superb performance as the tiger, stepping in at the last minute to replace David Threlfall.
The play is described as a multi-layered tragi-comedy that is both funny and profound, exploring the absurdities of war.
- Who
- Playwright Rajiv Joseph, Director Omar Elerian, Lead Actor Kathryn Hunter
- What
- A play about a talking ghost of a tiger haunting the streets of Baghdad
- When
- Originally staged on Broadway in 2009, currently running at the Young Vic until 31 January
- Where
- Young Vic theatre in London
- Why
- To explore the absurdities of war and the nature of existence through a surreal and humane lens
- Playwright
- Rajiv Joseph
- Director
- Omar Elerian
- Lead Actor
- Kathryn Hunter
- Original Broadway Star
- Robin Williams
- Venue
- Young Vic, London
- Run Dates
- Until 31 January
- Inspiration
- 2003 incident of a starving Bengal tiger in Baghdad's zoo