Past, present and future tenses -- both perfect and imperfect -- are explored in David Greig's Damascus, being presented as part of the Brits Off Broadway Festival at 59E59 Theaters. These elements of language serve as metaphors for the connections, misunderstandings, and regrets among both people and countries. While this is an interesting premise, director Philip Howard's uneven production may leave audiences wondering what point is being made.

Paul (Ewen Bremner) has traveled to the city of Damascus in order to pitch his company's English language textbooks (which he authored) for use in Syria's educational system. He meets with Muna (Nathalie Armin) and Wasim (Alex Elliott), who are su[...]