Off-Broadway Mystery Drama Examines the Financial Sacrifices Behind Charity and Spying
A Tangle of Shadows Hides in Dakar 2000's Heart
In the off-Broadway thriller Dakar 2000, written by Rajiv Joseph, the line between right and wrong takes a wild ride. The play unfurls in Senegal during the final week of 1999, with Y2K casting its ominous shadow over the world. Abubakr Ali plays Boubs, a Peace Corps volunteer on a mission to help his community thrive, while Mia Barron's portrayal of Dina Stevens adds a twist that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.
Manhattan Theatre Club presents this roller coaster of intrigue, now on stage at New York City Center Stage. Barron, the play's director May Adrales, commented, "It combines coming-of-age elements with the suspense of a spy thriller, which you don't often see side by side."
Boubs and Dina's relationship is as tense as it is exciting. On one hand, Dina, a cunning State Department official, aims to manipulate Boubs, who falls for her charm, despite his better judgment. Yet, this relentless game of cat and mouse captivates audiences alike, creating an electric and theatrical experience.
As their power dance intensifies, emotions blur the boundaries between manipulation and love. "By the end of the play," says Barron, "Boubs has learned how to manipulate himself, losing some of his idealism in the process." Both characters find themselves in a precarious situation, with Dina's government role adding another layer of complexity to their dangerous romance.
How Dakar 2000 Unfolds in the spotlight
Discovering the Writer's Magic:
Rajiv Joseph, the creative mind behind such masterpieces as Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, King James, and Guards at the Taj, has a unique talent for weaving together seductive storytelling and precise attention to character detail. Barron, who's played a variety of Joseph's characters, shares, "His writing is funny, sharp, and somewhat mysterious. You get the sense that this kind of story could only unfold on stage."
Mia Barron's Love Affair with Dina:
A seasoned actress, Barron relished the opportunity to dive into the complex psyche of Dina, a character with inherent contradictions. "I adore her strength," Barron explains, "but what I find the most intriguing is that she is capable of doing objectively bad things while believing they are for a greater good." Barron also expressed empathy for Dina, noting, "I feel empathy for the losses in her life that led her to act ruthlessly."
Dakar 2000's Timely Message
The World's Constant Anticipation of an Apocalypse:
Joseph sets the play against the backdrop of the approaching millennium, as the world reels from the potential Y2K disaster. As the world once again enters an age of uncertainty, Dina's psychological thriller offers a glance back at a time of collective fear, while also exploring our current state of perpetual dread.
A Love Letter to the Ideals of the Peace Corps:
Dakar 2000 also serves as a poignant tribute to the Peace Corps, highlighting the spirit of altruism and international cooperation. Joseph, who wrote the play before the current administration took power, beautifully captures a heartbroken longing for a gentler, more compassionate America.
[1] Dakar 2000 Plot Overview[2] Dakar 2000 Themes and Analysis[3] Interpreting the Symbolism in Dakar 2000[4] Power Dynamics and Seduction in Dakar 2000
- Rajiv Joseph, who penned Dakar 2000, also wrote plays like Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo and King James, demonstrating a remarkable ability to blend captivating narratives with nuanced character development.
- Mia Barron, who portrays Dina Stevens in Dakar 2000, finds the character intriguing due to her inherent contradictions, especially her assertive demeanor and the willingness to perform actions with questionable moral implications for a perceived greater good.
- Dakar 2000, set during the Y2K scare, offers a reflection on humanity's continuing anticipation of apocalyptic events, highlighting both the historical collective fear and the current state of perpetual anxiety.
