TEHRAN – All-female Iranian group Shiftegan-e Del plans to perform Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov’s comic and romantic operetta “Arshin Mal Alan” again in Tehran.

The operetta, which premiered in Saint Petersburg on October 25, 1913, will be staged at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall on March 9 by director and choreographer Hayedeh Zekavat.

The Avaze Melal ensemble and its singer Shahla Milani and narrator Masumeh Aqajani will accompany the troupe during the performance, which only females are allowed to attend.

“Arshin Mal Alan” is about Asker, a bachelor who wants to see and choose his bride before marriage. His wife quest, however, is difficult because at that time (in the 19th century) based on traditions women were kept at home and when allowed out they were heavily covered in hijab. Asker’s friend Suleyman suggests to him that he disguise himself as a fabric peddler, a sure way to meet women. Asker agrees and starts to go around to the houses selling fabrics.

Shiftegan-e Del performed the operetta at Vahdat Hall in December 2016.

Photo: A poster for “Arshin Mal Alan”

MMS/YAW