Tales of the Arabian Nights

In this aimless adaptation of the classic collection of folk tales, there are more discontinuities and glaring variations of acting ability than the feeble script can support. The intended audience of the show is unclear, and the material awkwardly oscillates between camp humour that borders on absurdity and what appears to be a superficial attempt to broach current political issues in its heavy-handed dialogue concerning veil-wearing. At no point does the play meaningfully engage the audience, as it progresses through countless vignettes that rely heavily on religious stereotypes; the inclusion of such stereotypes is baffling as the play's intent is vague and ill-conceived. It is at first unclear whether the production is intentionally overacted and amateur, especially as certain roles, such as the Narrator, are expertly performed. The schism between the acting ability of the various cast members is hugely distracting, and while the writing is occasionally witty, it is too smug and superficial to hold anyone's attention longer than a short stretch of dialogue. More characteristic of a clumsy comedy sketch than professional theatre production. [Ilani Blanke]