With a blend of artifice and dread, Tony-winning actor Ari'el Stachel returns to the stage in his searing one-man play, 'Other'. Stachel's journey is a powerful exploration of personal frailties, cultural identity, and mental health, offering a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those navigating the complexities of race and identity in America. His performance is a testament to the transformative power of theater, drawing audiences who find solace and connection in shared experiences of feeling 'othered'.
Stachel's early life was marked by social discomfort and a desire to fit in. As a boy, he felt out of place at his Jewish day school due to his darker skin and Middle Eastern heritage. His solution? To pass as white, changing his name and hairstyle, and even adopting a new school. This charade continued into adulthood, as he concealed his Arab Jewish Middle Eastern roots and his Yemeni Israeli father, Aaron Yeshayahu, to avoid public scrutiny.
The pressure took a toll on Stachel, leading to a debilitating anxiety disorder that had been with him since childhood. His journey to the stage was a long road, fueled by a desire to reflect his culture and address the shame he felt. Writing 'Other' was his way of beating the shame out of himself, and the play has since become a platform for him to share his experiences and connect with audiences.
The play is a physically demanding performance, with Stachel embodying 48 characters and laying bare his personal frailties and comical crack-ups. It highlights the challenges of living with anxiety and the struggle to accept love after years of being in fight or flight mode. The opening scene, depicting the night of Stachel's 2018 Tony win, is both hilarious and jarring, showcasing his anxiety and the stress of public scrutiny.
Despite his struggles, Stachel's performances in 'The Band's Visit' and 'Law & Order: SVU' were smooth and effortless, a stark contrast to the inner torment he describes in 'Other'. His ability to connect with audiences and share his experiences is a testament to the power of storytelling and the transformative potential of theater.
'Other' has been attracting a diverse and engaged audience, with members sharing their own 'othered' experiences. The play's lead producer, LaChanze, believes it's important to create a space in commercial theater that is inviting for young adults. Stachel's partnership with LaChanze, a Black woman producing a play about an Arab Jewish man, is unique and reflects the play's message of inclusivity and understanding.
As Stachel continues to navigate his mental health struggles and the challenges of being an Arab Jewish man in America, 'Other' remains a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art.
