Overview
Synopsis
The North Pool is a suspense thriller set in a seemingly typical American public high school. The play consists of two characters: an over-worked Vice Principal, Dr. Danielson, and a Middle Eastern student, Khadim Asmaan. On the afternoon before Spring Break, Khadim is called into Dr. Danielson’s office for a one-on-one meeting. It turns out that Khadim had skipped out on class so Dr. Danielson gives him detention. Danielson, by all appearances, is a dedicated education professional. At first, it seems that Khadim was called into his office just for the absence. But bit by bit, Danielson reveals that he knows about sordid details of Khadim’s past and present; including Khadim’s management of an underground business selling black market goods and involvement in the recent suicide of a local girl. Meanwhile, Khadim also has done his research on Dr. Danielson’s past. The play is riveting and constantly moves in unexpected directions. It captures the essence of contemporary high school life, political correctness, morality and the legacy of teen suicide. In the end, the play is about forgiveness and living with unresolved issues.
Show Information
Context
Rajiv Joseph’s The North Pool (2011) is a taut, psychological two-hander set entirely in the vice principal’s office of an American high school. The play unfolds as a tense interrogation between Vice Principal Danielson and Khadim, a Middle Eastern student who has recently transferred to the school. What begins as a seemingly routine disciplinary meeting gradually escalates into a layered and unsettling power struggle. Joseph uses the confined setting and limited cast to create an atmosphere of
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in The North Pool.
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Themes
Authority and Power Dynamics – The central tension of the play lies in the interrogation between an authority figure (Danielson) and a student (Khadim). Their relationship highlights how power can be exercised, abused, and resisted in institutional settings.
Cultural Identity and Prejudice – Khadim’s background as a Middle Eastern student is a source of suspicion and misunderstanding, reflecting post-9/11 anxieties and the ways cultural identity is scrutinized in schools
to read about the themes, symbols and motifs from The North Pool and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Key Terms
The central struggle between opposing forces in a play, driving tension and character development.
Naturalism is a theatrical style that seeks to depict life with accuracy, focusing on everyday speech, behavior, and settings. It often highlights ordinary people in realistic environments, emphasizing authenticity over theatricality. Emerging in the late 19th century, naturalism remains influential in contemporary drama.
A genre exploring internal conflict, motivation, and emotion, often rooted in realism and character study.
A theatrical movement that strives to depict everyday life and authentic behavior on stage. It often focuses on domestic settings and psychological depth.
A two-hander is a play performed by only two actors, with the entire story built around their relationship, dialogue, and interaction. This format often heightens dramatic tension, as the focus is entirely on the dynamics between the two characters. Two-handers are common in intimate theatre settings, where subtle shifts in power and emotion drive the performance.
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Guide Written By:
Jason Engleman
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