THE TROUBLE WITH AFTERMATH

David Zax’s drama about a journalist’s
return from Taliban captivity raises
more questions than it answers

Danny Kornfeld, Awesta Zarif, Jill Stern and Steven Skybell

There are many plays about war and what happens afterward. They are generally distinguished by the events and people they portray. Unfortunately, the most outstanding feature of David Zax’s Aftermath is that it makes no sense. Director Colton Pometta writes in his notes that he is “fascinated by the contradictions in the play.” He means the contradictions of love and resentment, protection and control, and knowledge and understanding. This may be what the author has in mind, but first we have to accept that the situation he creates is somehow believable.

Danny Kornfeld

Aftermath introduces us to Josh Goldman (Danny Kornfeld), a young reporter who was captured by the Taliban and managed to escape. He is recovering from his traumatic experience at the Washington, D.C., home of his wealthy parents, Allan (Steven Skybell) and Linda (Jill Stern). On the advice of Josh’s doctors, they are following a strict schedule of steps they hope will lead to his recovery. The only problem is that Josh wants to go back to Afghanistan. He treats his parents and their money with contempt. He is idealistic and self-righteous.

Jill Stern and Steven Skybell

Danny Kornfeld and Steven Skybell

But we soon find out there is more involved here than meets the eye. Josh didn’t really escape. Unbeknownst to Josh, he was ransomed by his parents to the tune of twenty-five million. Somehow the Taliban knew exactly what Allan was worth and wouldn’t settle for less. But how did the Taliban get this information? Josh’s old girlfriend, Mina (Awesta Zarif), who has come to pay a visit, supplies the answer. In fact, she saw the printout of Allan’s assets, complete with passwords, that Josh brought with him to Afghanistan. It seems Josh’s bravery (some might say recklessness) was backed by the insurance that if he were ever caught, he could hand over the key to his father’s millions.

Awesta Zarif

Apparently, Josh truly believes his escape was real, that the Taliban put him in an open truck, under no restraints, and fired no shots when he ran away. And it never occurs to him when they take his belongings, which they surely must have done, that they also take that precious piece of paper. Otherwise there’s no explanation for his amazement and horror when he learns his parents have spent so much money getting him out of trouble. Wasn’t that his backup plan?

Awesta Zarif and Danny Kornfeld

Perhaps with better direction and acting, these people might not seem so ridiculous, but both Kornfeld and Skybell clutch their chests so frequently, many in the audience may be waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Stern spends much of her time begging someone to do something. And if Josh and Mina were once lovers, it’s hard to see; they have about as much chemistry as wet dishrags.

Steven Skybell

What’s more, Chen-Wei Liao designed a two-tier set with Josh’s bedroom above and behind the living room. To maintain the illusion that people are going upstairs and downstairs, the actors are constantly running behind the stage so we can hear the clop-clop of their footsteps while waiting for them to appear. Why couldn’t Josh’s bedroom simply have been on one side of the stage?

This is Zax’s first play, but it was workshopped at Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Playwrights Realm, and The Old Globe. Wasn’t anybody paying attention?

Jill Stern and Danny Kornfeld

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

photos by Marc J. Franklin (2026)

Aftermath
Mezzanine Theatre at A.R.T./New York Theatres
502 West 53rd Street in New York
running time 95 minutes
ends on November 8, 2026
for tickets, visit Aftermath the Play

for more shows, visit Theatre in New York

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦