A zoo places an intense variety of animals, some of which might be mortal enemies in other contexts, side by side. Albee's The Zoo Story also juxtaposes opposites. But instead of animals, humans become the opposing forces in Albee's societal cage.
Anger responds to bliss, confusion encourages understanding and knowledge desires ignorance.
Jerry meets Peter, and like caged animals they react, in surprisingly similar ways. These parallels mirror each individual's internal duality, which when confronted, can expose an explosive reaction. Albee's realistic perspective presents a timeless viewpoint which can encourage realization, not only from diversified groups, but also of ourselves as individuals, forcing us to realize that our internal diversity makes us not so different from everyone else. Kendra Clauser is once again taking the director's chair after a four-year hiatus. She has also done performance pieces based on works by Bertolt Brecht and Donald Barthleme.