The Tango of Gossip

This latest volume from Raad Chalabi is an interesting play that invites the readers to spend one day in Ramiz's cash-only grocery store where they will have a chance to meet a number of his customers and friends. The play starts with Ramiz opening his store early in the morning and ends with him closing it in the evening. It is in six acts, which reflects life as Ramiz sees it, namely, that it is a series of random events punctuated by actions and decision, both minor and major that are made by individuals who happen to be exposed to these events. This collective process of actions and reactions by the many masquerades itself as a grand plan for each, thus giving the individuals the satisfaction that they are important and are in control of their destiny.

In this narrative,Ramiz associates life to the game of backgammon, where the player must make the best move possible once the outcome of the throw of the dice is known--it is the unfolding of a secret that will allow the player to make just one correct move, whether it is to win or lose. Of course, in the game of backgammon and after many throws of the dice, there will be a winner and a loser on which all will agree. Life regrettably offers no such comfort. People keep reacting to each throw of the dice until they cease to be