Abu Casem's Slippers
August Strindberg Rep presents its namesake's fanciful take on one of the 'Arabian Nights' tales written in whimsical, free-flowing verse. For ages 8 and up.
When his shoes are exchanged with the slippers of the Cadi, miserly merchant Abu Casem is cured of avarice by the hardships he must endure. Strindberg enhances the tale with a charming love story involving three young people: Abu Casem's daughter, the Prince who pines for her, and Casem's errand boy. This marks the world premiere of Anne-Charlotte Hanes Harvey's verse translation of Strindberg's play. 'Abu Casem's Slippers' is performed in rotating rep with 'Pariah and The Stronger.'
- Official Site
- 1 hour and 35 minutes
- Already closed
- Gene Frankel Theatre (East Village)
Cast & Creatives (14)
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Reviews (6)
2 Critics' Reviews
"Anne-Charlotte Hanes Harvey’s modern translation is delightful. Strindberg delivers a charming, colorful story about human kindness...What a joy has been brought to us from Baghdad via Stockholm...Andy Evan Cohen brings dumbek, oud and other trancey instruments together to create one heck of a hammam soundtrack. Janet Bentley keeps this pageant moving as fast as the arrow of love flies and the monkey dances, which is to say very nicely indeed." Full Review
"This handicapped production could have been an alluring spoof on the rendition of lurid 'Arabian Nights.' Perhaps the saucy poetic words of Strindberg chime better in Swedish, but sadly, the stale verse of this tale leaves an unsavory taste on an eager but discriminating spectator’s palate...There are uplifting moments...The narrow stage bursts in Technicolor reveries of wild terraces with overflowing fountains...Hassan, delightfully played by the animated actor, Kevin Vavasseur, is enchanti... Full Review
4 Members' Reviews
See it if you want to see a simple but delightful play based on a story from THE 1001 Arabian Nights. The actors were great & comedy played perfectly!
Don't see it if you're expecting typical Strindberg. This is clever & light & funny. Appropriate for children, but a little too long with no intermission.
See it if You enjoy stories from other lands.
Don't see it if You're looking for a typical story
See it if You're Awesome!
Don't see it if You suck
See it if You would enjoy a parable suitable for adults and children, written by the usually stern Strindberg
Don't see it if You don't like world culture.