BroadwayRadio Presents: In-Depth with Rajiv Joseph on "Dakar 2000"
Episode Title: Class Notes: Rajiv Joseph “Dakar 2000”
Host: Lauren Flash Snyder
Release Date: February 19, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of BroadwayRadio's "Class Notes," host Lauren Flash Snyder sits down with acclaimed playwright Rajiv Joseph to delve into his latest work, Dakar 2000, which is set to premiere at the esteemed Manhattan Theatre Club. The conversation offers listeners an intimate look into Joseph's inspirations, creative process, and the personal experiences that shaped this gripping thriller.
Play Overview: "Dakar 2000"
Lauren begins by outlining the premise of Dakar 2000:
"In Senegal, a Peace Corps volunteer survives a mysterious car accident. An imposing State Department operative immediately takes command of the situation. Though they couldn't be more different, the two form an unlikely relationship. It becomes clear that they both have secrets. The volunteer is roped into a darker side of public service, one he can't come back from."
— Lauren Flash Snyder, [00:14]
The setting on the cusp of Y2K adds a layer of tension and uncertainty, mirroring the protagonists' personal conflicts.
The Significance of Y2K in the Story
Joseph reveals the personal connection to the Y2K theme:
"I was in the Peace Corps in Senegal in between 1997 and 2000. And so this plays somewhat, you know, a recollection of that particular moment of my life."
— Rajiv Joseph, [00:51]
Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of the millennium, Joseph discusses how the era's anxieties and global uncertainties influenced the play's atmosphere:
"It was a time of kind of real heightened fear about what it could have been, you know, in the worst case scenario, the end of the world."
— Rajiv Joseph, [01:49]
He draws parallels between the Y2K fears and contemporary global tensions, emphasizing the play's enduring relevance.
Crafting a Thriller: Inspirations and Global Context
Lauren highlights the play's classification as a thriller, prompting Joseph to elaborate on his creative choices:
"I wanted to kind of present it as something in that realm in part, because that's what the story is... enveloped in all these other kind of global events."
— Rajiv Joseph, [03:13]
Joseph intertwines personal narratives with significant global events of the late '90s, such as the rise of global terrorism and the tragic embassy bombings by Al-Qaeda:
"Al Qaeda had blown up two embassies in East Africa... I was transporting a lot of these materials in a truck that I drove, and I had a bad accident and I flipped the truck and I destroyed all the materials."
— Rajiv Joseph, [04:00]
This incident not only serves as a pivotal plot point in the play but also reflects Joseph's real-life near-miss experience, adding authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative.
From Peace Corps to Playwriting: Joseph's Journey
Lauren commends Joseph's decision to join the Peace Corps at a young age and inquires about his path to becoming a playwright. Joseph shares his early aspirations and the evolution of his writing career:
"I had a desire to be a writer at the time. I wanted to be a novelist... I was interested in writing, and I had, you know, majored in English and creative writing in college."
— Rajiv Joseph, [05:44]
His time in the Peace Corps became a fertile ground for his creativity, with extensive journaling fueling his storytelling skills:
"I did do an awful lot of writing when I was in Peace Corps, mostly in my journals."
— Rajiv Joseph, [06:31]
Commission and Collaboration with Manhattan Theatre Club
The discussion shifts to the collaboration with Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC), a pivotal factor in bringing Dakar 2000 to life:
"The commission came about several years ago... I had written another play called King James that Manhattan Theater Club produced two years ago."
— Rajiv Joseph, [06:45]
Joseph emphasizes the significance of MTC's support for new playwrights and how past collaborations have paved the way for Dakar 2000.
Directing Partnership with Mae Andralis
Lauren inquires about the play's director, Mae Andralis, and their longstanding relationship:
"I've known May for many years... we were both working a lot in the early parts of our careers, and we've been very close friends ever since then."
— Rajiv Joseph, [07:40]
Their previous collaboration on Letters of Suresh during the pandemic laid a strong foundation for their work on Dakar 2000, ensuring a seamless creative synergy.
Casting Choices and Rehearsal Dynamics
Joseph discusses the intentional casting process, highlighting the chemistry between lead actors Mia Baron and Abu Bakr Ali:
"We actually didn't even do auditions for this play. I had always wanted to work with Mia Baron... Abu Bakr Ali, I had seen him in a play a couple years ago in New York and immediately identified him as a young actor who I really thought was talented."
— Rajiv Joseph, [08:36]
He praises their natural rapport, which significantly contributed to the play's dynamic during rehearsals.
Regarding the rehearsal process, Joseph admits to extensive rewrites:
"I tend to do a lot of rewriting in the first rehearsal process of a new play... I had given him a new monologue."
— Rajiv Joseph, [09:38]
This iterative approach, while challenging, fosters a vibrant and evolving production, enhancing the play's depth and authenticity.
Personal Reflections: Anxieties and Inspirations
As the conversation nears its conclusion, Lauren poses dual questions about what keeps Joseph awake at night and what allows him to rest peacefully.
What Keeps You Up at Night?
Joseph shares his concerns on both personal and global scales:
"Personally, what keeps me up at night is anxieties about growing older and keeping healthy... globally, it's, you know, I think what we're all kind of terrified about right now is... the speed of it all."
— Rajiv Joseph, [10:44]
He expresses unease about the rapid technological, cultural, and political changes shaping the modern world.
What Lets You Get a Good Night's Sleep?
Conversely, Joseph finds solace in art and meaningful conversations:
"Art. Whether it's theater or visual art, film, music... talking to people about shows, talking to people about theater... those conversations that circulate around art, around theater, that's really my favorite part of it all."
— Rajiv Joseph, [11:48]
He emphasizes the importance of community and dialogue in maintaining his creative spirit and personal well-being.
Conclusion
Lauren and Rajiv wrap up their engaging discussion, reflecting on the intricate layers of Dakar 2000 and Joseph's journey as a playwright. The episode offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the play's thematic depth, production nuances, and the personal experiences that breathe life into Joseph's work.
"This has been so enlightening, and I'm so grateful that we had a chance to be able to have this conversation today."
— Lauren Flash Snyder, [13:10]
Rajiv reciprocates the sentiment, thanking Lauren for the opportunity to share his story and creative process.
"Me, too. Lauren. Thank you so much for having me."
— Rajiv Joseph, [13:23]
Dakar 2000 promises to be a compelling addition to the theater landscape, blending personal narrative with global intrigue under Joseph's masterful storytelling and MTC's exceptional production.
Stay tuned to BroadwayRadio for more insightful conversations with the voices shaping the world of theater today.