A performance inspired by a poem by the contemporary poet Ahmad Shamlou is on stage at Idea Gallery.
“On the Verge” (Dar Astaneh in Persian) is the name of the poem by the prolific poet and translator that is being applied for a performance by the Dar-Astaneh Art Group, ISNA reported on its Persian website.
Directed by Alireza Hamidein, the performance is about different interpretations of life and death, which are major themes of the poem. Shamlou uses simple imagery and free verse style in the poem to mention human existentialism.
Fatima Eftekhari, Mehrshad Elkaee, Mohammad Sharifi and Mona Aqelnejad are in the cast. Theater actor Payam Dehkordi, TV presenter Faranak Yousefi and director Hamidein serve as narrators.
Ahmad Shamlou (1926-2000) has translated plays, poetry and fiction from French into Persian, including works of Federico Garcia Lorca. His own works have been translated into several languages. He has also written a number of plays, done research on classical Persian poets, especially Hafez. His thirteen-volume Ketab-e Koucheh (Book of Alley) is a major contribution to understanding Iranian folklore values and languages. He has also wrote fiction and screenplays and contributed to children’s literature and journalism.
Shamlou was highly influenced by Spanish poet, Federico Garcia Lorca, African American poet Langston Hughes, French poet and founder of realism Paul Eluard and father of modern Persian poetry Nima Youshij.
The 50-minute play will run until June 14. The gallery is located at No. 26, 18th St., Qaem Maqam St., Karim Khan St.
