TEHRAN-An adaptation of American absurdist playwright Arthur Kopit’s play “Chamber Music” is on stage at Tehran's Shahrzad Theater Complex.

Sara Daruforush is the director of the play, which has been translated by Atefeh Pakbaznia. 

Yekta Etemadi, Kimia Samadi, Haneih Sattari, Sepideh Shojai, Narges Sharifi, Sogand Allahdad and Avina Baqai are the main members of the cast for the play, which will remain on stage until February 7. 

Written in 1962, the one-act play is set in 1938 and concerns eight famous women from different historical periods who all are interned in the same insane asylum.

The women believe they are author Gertrude Stein, martyr Joan of Arc, activist Susan B. Anthony, politician Queen Isabella I of Spain, pilot Amelia Earhart, silent-film actress Pearl White, explorer Osa Johnson and Constanze Mozart, the wife of the famous composer.

They have come together to represent the women of the asylum in planning for an attack they believe is soon to come from the men’s ward.

As the play unfolds, these iconic women engage in vibrant and chaotic conversations, each attempting to assert her dominance and cast doubt on the legitimacy of the others' identities. Through this premise, "Chamber Music" explores themes of power, identity, and the nature of reality. The women's interactions reflect their unique psychological struggles, as their delusions and obsessions gradually unfold.

Amidst the constant bickering and jockeying for supremacy, "Chamber Music" shines a light on the destructive nature of human imagination and the complex relationship between power and mental health.

Arthur Kopit was an acclaimed American playwright known for his thought-provoking and innovative works. He was born on May 10, 1937, in New York City and passed away on April 2, 2021. Kopit's career spanned several decades and he became known for his ability to blend different genres and styles, pushing the boundaries of traditional theater.

Kopit's plays often tackled complex and existential themes, exploring the human condition and societal issues. He was known for his experimental approach, using surrealism, dark humor, and imaginative storytelling techniques to captivate audiences and challenge their perspectives. In addition to "Chamber Music," some of his other well-known works include "Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mama's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feelin' So Sad," "Indians," and "Wings." Kopit's impact on the theatrical world was significant, earning him critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout his career.

SAB/