Ali Kazmi | Exclusive Interview | Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo & More
Pakistani Canadian actor Ali Kazmi is starring in two plays at Crow’s Theatre in Toronto this season: Uncle Vanya, till October 2, 2022, and Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo from October 11-November 6, 2022. Ali Kazmi grew up in a family of actors. His father is the elite actor Rahat Kazmi and his mother is Sahira Kazmi, one of the first women directors in Pakistan. His grandfather is the notable Indian actor Shyam. Ali had to restart his career from scratch when coming to Canada to study at Toronto Film School. He has been working both on and off camera in Pakistan, India, and North America for over 20 years in theatre, television, and film including Deepa Mehta’s Funny Boy. Directed by Crow’s Theatre Artistic Director Chris Abraham, Uncle Vanya features a dazzling cast including Ali Kazmi as Astrov, plus Carolyn Fe, Deborah Johnson, Tom Rooney, Eric Peterson, Anand Rajaram, Shannon Taylor, and Bahia Watson. Breathing new life into Chekhov’s masterpiece in a new version by award-winning actor Liisa Repo-Martell. Brimming with emotional intensity, comedic genius, and tragic weight, this Crow’s Theatre commission and world-premiere adaptation provides an up-close encounter with a classic of world drama that every theatre lover must see. Crow’s Theatre and Modern Times Stage Company will present the Toronto premiere of Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo, written by Rajiv Joseph and directed by Rouvan Silogix. This long-awaited premiere of Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo comes after last season’s disappointing cancellation, on the eve of its first performance, due to a provincial lockdown order in January. Andrew Chown joins returning cast members Ali Kazmi, Christopher Allen, Mahsa Ershadifar, Sara Jaffri, Ahmed Moneka, and Kristen Thomson. In February 2023 Ali Kazmi can be seen in Behind the Moon at Tarragon Theatre, and he recently wrapped Pakistan’s first superhero/adventure flick Umro Ayaar. Check out this exclusive interview as he talks about the play and more.
