Alexander Zale, professionally known as J. Zakkai, has had a diverse and accomplished career in the world of theatre, spanning numerous decades and featuring a wide range of notable performances. His professional journey began in the year 1959, when he took on the role of Solly in the international hit production of Jack Gelber's "The Connection", working alongside the esteemed Living Theatre. This marked the start of a long-term association with the company, during which he went on to portray a diverse array of characters, including George Garga in Bertolt Brecht's "In the Jungle of Cities" and Rico Veri in Luigi Pirandello's "Tonight We Improvise".
The esteemed artist, Zale, embarked upon a journey that would take him across the European continent, where he had the esteemed privilege of touring with the illustrious Living Theatre, an experience that would prove to be a transformative catalyst for his artistic development.
Subsequently, Zale chose to remain in Italy, where he had the unique opportunity to collaborate with the renowned Teatro Popolare Italiano, a company led by the inimitable Vittorio Gassman, a master of his craft. This period of creative exploration and growth culminated in a performance at the prestigious Aldwych Theatre in London, a testament to Zale's rapidly evolving artistic reputation.
Upon his return to the United States, Zale became an integral part of the burgeoning off-off-Broadway movement, a vibrant and innovative cultural phenomenon that was rapidly gaining momentum. During this period, he had the privilege of working with two esteemed institutions, the Judson Poet's Theater and La Mama, both of which were instrumental in nurturing his artistic talents.
One of the most significant outcomes of this period was the writing of Zale's first play, "Vapors", a work that would go on to be presented at the esteemed O'Neill Playwrights Conference, a prestigious event that has long been a launching pad for the careers of many notable playwrights.
As his professional trajectory continued to unfold, Zale's remarkable talents led him to a string of notable performances at various regional theatres, with one of the most notable being his stint at the prestigious Arena Stage in Washington, D.C.
Meanwhile, back in the city that never sleeps, Zale landed a significant role as Beaujo in the esteemed Manhattan Theatre Club's production of Sam Shepard's thought-provoking play, "Geography of a Horse Dreamer".
This pivotal moment in his career was made possible by his connection to the visionary Ellen Stewart, the founder of the legendary La Mama, who played a crucial role in introducing Zale to the innovative director Andrei Serban. This serendipitous encounter marked the beginning of a long-standing artistic collaboration that would go on to yield numerous creative triumphs.
Notable among the collaborative endeavors of this artistic partnership was a highly acclaimed stage adaptation of Euripides' ancient Greek tragedy, "Medea", which boasted a star-studded cast, with Zale assuming the pivotal role of Jason. Following a successful run in New York, the production embarked on a European tour, captivating audiences with its masterful storytelling and outstanding performances.
Zale's impressive repertoire continued to grow as he took on the titular role in Serban's groundbreaking production of Sophocles' "Agamemnon" at the prestigious Lincoln Center, a production that was later reprised at the iconic Delacorte. This was followed by a notable appearance as Sender in Joe Chaikin's innovative direction of "The Dybbuk" at the renowned Public Theatre, founded by the visionary Joseph Papp.
Zale's tenure with La Mama continued, with him taking on the pivotal role of Azdak in Bertolt Brecht's renowned theatrical masterpiece, "The Caucasian Chalk Circle", under the astute direction of German visionary Fritz Bennewitz. Following this notable performance, Zale embarked on another significant undertaking, assuming the titular character in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's iconic dramatic work, "Faust, Part 1", once again under the guidance of the esteemed director Bennewitz.
Notable performances by this individual took him to the esteemed Center Stage in Baltimore, where he had the privilege of playing the leading role of Victor Mehta in the acclaimed production of David Hare's "A Map of the World". This notable achievement was followed by his work at the Seattle Rep, where he collaborated with the renowned director Daniel Sullivan in the production of "Red Square", bringing to life the character of Roosevelt Weinglass.
After relocating to Los Angeles, this talented artist continued to hone his craft by participating in various theatre productions, including the critically acclaimed "Morocco", the enchanting "Ondine", the intellectually stimulating "The Disputation", the thought-provoking "Taking Sides", the poignant "Flags", and the timeless classic "The Cherry Orchard". In addition to his work in theatre, this multifaceted individual has also made appearances in film and television, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished performer.
