Alexander Zale

Alexander Zale (aka J. Zakkai) has performed a variety of compelling roles while working with cutting-edge theatre ensembles, playwrights, and directors. He began his acting career in the role of Solly in 1959 with the Living Theatre's international hit, The Connection, by Jack Gelber, and went on to play George Garga in Brecht's In the Jungle of Cities and Rico Veri in Pirandello's Tonight We Improvise. Following two European tours with the Living Theatre, he stayed in Italy to work with Vittorio Gassman's company, Teatro Popolare Italiano, and traveled with it to the Aldwych Theatre in London. After returning to the U.S., he got involved with the off-off-Broadway movement, then in its infancy, at the Judson Poet's Theater and La Mama. During this time, he wrote his first play, Vapors, which was presented at the O'Neill Playwrights Conference. He went on to perform at several regional theaters, including The Arena Stage, in Washington, D.C. Back in New York, he was cast as Beaujo in S