TEHRAN-An adaptation of German playwright Bertolt Brecht’s “Life of Galileo” will go on stage at the main hall of Tehran’s City Theater Complex on April 17. 

Translated by Hamid Samandarian, Shahabeddin Hosseinpur is the director of the play.

Farhad Aeish, Nura Hashemi, Sadaf Espahbodi and Kaveh Afaq are the main members of the cast for the play, which will remain on stage until June 19. 

Brecht's "Life of Galileo" is a powerful play that delves into the life and struggles of the renowned scientist, Galileo Galilei. The play explores Galileo's groundbreaking scientific discoveries, particularly his defense of the heliocentric theory that placed the sun, not the Earth, at the center of the universe.

As Galileo's ideas come into conflict with the entrenched beliefs of the Catholic Church, the play reveals the challenges he faces in navigating the intersections of science, religion, and politics.

Throughout the play, Galileo is portrayed as a complex character who is torn between his allegiance to scientific truth and his desire to avoid conflict with the powerful religious authorities of his time. As he faces pressure from the church to recant his views and conform to the traditional teachings of the church, Galileo's internal struggles are laid bare.

The play raises important questions about the role of science in society, the consequences of challenging established beliefs, and the ethical dilemmas that arise when personal convictions clash with institutional power.

"Life of Galileo" is a compelling exploration of the tension between progress and orthodoxy, reason and faith, and individual conscience and societal norms. Brecht's play prompts audiences to reflect on the enduring relevance of these themes in contemporary society, highlighting the ongoing struggle for intellectual freedom and the pursuit of knowledge in the face of institutional resistance. Through Galileo's story, the play challenges viewers to consider the importance of standing up for truth and discovery, even in the face of formidable opposition.

Bertolt Brecht was a German playwright, director, and poet known for his innovative approach to theater. He is considered one of the most influential dramatists of the 20th century, with his work often characterized by its use of epic theater techniques, including the distancing effect that aimed to provoke critical thinking and social change in audiences. Brecht's plays often tackled political and social issues, and he was a staunch critic of capitalist society, imperialism, and war. Some of his most famous works include "The Threepenny Opera," "Mother Courage and Her Children," and "The Caucasian Chalk Circle."

Brecht's impact on the theater world extended beyond his writing, as he also made significant contributions to the development of theatrical theory and practice. He believed that theater should be a tool for educating and empowering audiences, encouraging them to think critically about the world around them. Brecht's theories emphasized the importance of keeping the audience emotionally detached from the characters on stage, allowing them to engage more actively with the ideas being presented. His work continues to be studied and performed around the world, inspiring generations of artists and audiences with its bold social commentary and provocative storytelling.

SAB/