Theatre
NEW WORK THE PERSIAN REVOLUTION Traverse, Edinburgh, Wed 21—Sat 24 Nov
What do we imagine when the word Iran is mentioned? In the West, the frequent response might be images of great masses of conforming folk, all similarly attired, with a succession identical ideological, political and religious demands, led by implacable theologians. It’s an image fostered by in the West by politicians who aren’t entirely free of self interest, and an obedient media who filter a succession of images through to us along the lines created by our political elite.
Certainly, that’s the view of Mehrdad Seyf. writer/director of this piece, who is keen to emphasise a diversity in the make-up of this nation that isn’t always represented in our media. ‘We’re not there to lecture, but I think Iran is such a rich country in terms of culture, in terms of personality, in terms of history,’ he says. ‘And in terms of craziness - and I’m not talking politics when I say that - there are so many different ethnicities, different cultures in Iran, it’s great to explore as drama.’
This new piece is from 30 Bird, the London Anglo- lranian company which last year impressed venues all around the UK with Majnoun, a visually stylish piece
80 THE LIST 15—29 Nox 2007
NEW \‘JORK BLOOD COUNTRY &
REHEARSAL ROOM 12
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Thu 22-Sat 24 & Thu 29 Nov
There's always been something bowie about the best 0‘ Douglas Maxwell's work. With such pieces as Our Bad itlagnet and Deck» Does a Bronco depicting all-male casts exploring the rates of passage from boys to men. while If Destroved. True portrayed a young man not quite grown into adulthood and nerdishly enslaved by yi'tual worlds. Interesttxl parties Will have a chance to s >e it his new work - here given its first full reading Works along the same lines Given that Blood Country looks at fairriliar Scottish iandscapes through the- 'rieduint of the Western, there's potential for more boy's stuff.
Also rece'ying early readings at the Tray this fortnight :2; Women's theatre corripany Stellar ()uines' tirst readings of new work in Rehearsal Room 12 A succession of acclaimed full scale productions have come from this occaSional event, and, hearing the writing in its purest form is the best way of Judging quality, even surrounded by rough edges. The plays in question are The Coriolis Effect by Jan Natanson, The True Story of Hannah and Murdo by Virginia Murray and Home Street by Claire Duffy, but the stories of these three Will be kept a surprise until you get there. (Steve Cramer)
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also exploring forms of tensions within and prejudices against Iran. Here the stylish, cinematic lighting and sense of tableau will be similar, but the starting point of the piece occurs much earlier.
‘It looks back at 1906 when the first parliament in the Middle East was established, but it does so in a surreal and absurdist manner,’ says Seyf. ‘There was an American observer there at the time called Morgan Shuster, and he described the situation unfolding at the time in terms of a comic opera. So the piece I’ve written is very much inspired by what Shuster said, and works a bit like a comic opera.’ There is also an element of contemporary satire to the piece, as it switches forward in time to examine contemporary Iranian - American relations.
According to Seyf, the through-line of the historical comedy is about the same blindness being brought to Iran today as occurred a century ago: ‘If you want a modern democracy to develop in an Islamic country, these things need to happen in negotiation with Islam. It’s the dominant model of moral power, so with the very best of intentions of the world outside, imposing a model of Christian secular Democracy on a society like this will never work. I mean, imagine what would happened if it were the other way around and people tried to impose their Islamic model on this society? Again, it would never work.’ (Steve Cramer)
MUSlCAL WHITE CHRISTMAS Edinburgh Playhouse, Mon 19 Nov—Sat 8 Dec ,
For 1:3 years he was JR's arch enemy, but these days Ken Kercheval is more likely to have a song, rather than hate. in his heart. As Scotch-drinking oilman Cliff Barnes in Da/las. Kereneval became a household name. Long before he appeared on screen, however. the Arrierican actor was known for his musical theatre skills. At the age of 72. Kercheval is back treading the boards. starring in lawsh new musical. White Christmas.
'People ask me it Oaflas was the highlight of my career. and it certainly was not,‘ says Kerchevai. Because for me there's nothing more exciting than standing backstage and hearing the overtUre start, and knowrng at the end you'll be out there with the audience — you don’t get that feedback With film Or TV.’
A stOry of friendship. SOng and dance. White Christmas the musical takes the original Bing Crosby film and cranks it up a gear. Co-starring former Neigthurs star. Craig McLachIah. and Judy Garlands daughter, Lorna Luft. the show has 'feel good stamped all over it.
'You see what‘s geing on in the world. and for two-and-a-half hours you're transported away from it all,‘ says Kercheval. ‘The show is ten times better than the film. and no matter what's gone on in your day. you walk out with a really good feeling' rKelly Apter: