New Iranian Plays

A collection of plays from new and established voices from today's Iran and the global Iranian diaspora, covering life in contemporary Iran, the hopes of women finding new ways to assert their individuality, and the lives of those trapped in a migrant camp.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Aurora Metro Publications

Introduction:

This collection of plays offers a diverse range of perspectives on contemporary Iran and the global Iranian diaspora. The plays explore various aspects of life in modern-day Iran, including the challenges faced by women seeking to assert their individuality amidst societal upheaval, the experiences of individuals trapped in migrant camps, and the importance of challenging stereotypical views. Through their narratives, these plays shed light on a rapidly changing Iran, revealing a nation that is vastly different from the misconceptions outsiders may have about it.

Playlist:

A Moment of Silence by Mohammad Yaghoubi:

This play delves into the lives of a group of friends who gather for a dinner party in Tehran. As they engage in lively conversation, they begin to discuss the recent political unrest in Iran and the impact it has had on their lives. The play explores themes of silence, resistance, and the power of collective action.

Home by Naghmeh Samini:

Set in the aftermath of the Iran-Iraq War, this play tells the story of a family who has been forced to leave their homeland and seek refuge in a foreign country. The play explores themes of displacement, loss, and the search for a new sense of belonging.

Shame by Sholeh Wolpe:

This play is a powerful exploration of the lives of women in Iran, particularly those who have been marginalized and oppressed. The play examines the societal pressures and expectations placed on women and the challenges they face in seeking to assert their individuality.

Manus by Leila Hekmatnia:

This play is set in a migrant camp in Iran and tells the story of a group of asylum seekers who are waiting for their applications to be processed. The play explores themes of hope, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Keyvan Sarreshteh and Nazanin Sahamizadeh's Isfahan Blues:

This play is a musical adaptation of the famous poem by Hafez. The play explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. The music and lyrics add a unique dimension to the narrative, creating a powerful and moving experience for the audience.

Torange Yeghiazarian's Isfahan Blues:

This play is a sequel to Isfahan Blues and continues to explore the lives of the characters introduced in the first play. The play delves deeper into their struggles and challenges as they navigate the complexities of life in a migrant camp.

Editors:

Aubrey Mellor and Cheryl Robson are the editors of this collection of plays. Aubrey Mellor is a renowned Australian Theatre Director and Senior Fellow at LASALLE, in Singapore. He has directed for all major companies and is well-known for his acting teaching, having mentored a generation of acclaimed Australian actors. Aubrey has also founded several writing awards for playwrights.

Cheryl Robson is a playwright and Director of the Playwriting Program at the University of Melbourne. She has written numerous plays and is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Australian Writer's Guild's Dorothy Crawford Award for services to Playwriting.

Conclusion:

This collection of plays offers a compelling and diverse perspective on contemporary Iran and the global Iranian diaspora. Through their narratives, the plays shed light on the challenges faced by individuals and communities in a rapidly changing world. The plays also showcase the resilience and creativity of the human spirit in the face of adversity. By presenting these plays to a broader audience, we hope to foster understanding and promote dialogue between different cultures and communities.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 148 x 209 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912430475