TEHRAN- an adaptation of Irish dramatist Brian Friel’s play “Afterplay” is currently on stage at Aftab Hall in Ahvaz, southwestern Khuzestan province. 

Mohammad Hayati is the director of the play, which will remain on stage until September 27. 

Vahid Faqihi and Mahsa Bayat are the main members of the cast for the play. 

The one-act play revisits two beloved characters from Anton Chekhov’s works, unfolding their lives two decades after their initial appearances. Set in a Moscow café, the narrative brings together Sonya from "Uncle Vanya," a steadfast and devoted niece, and Andrey, the soft-spoken sibling from "The Three Sisters," who has always been overshadowed by the dominant personalities around him. The choice of a café as the setting emphasizes a space of reflection and connection amidst the bustling backdrop of revolutionary changes taking place in Moscow.

As they engage in conversation, Sonya and Andrey reminisce about their pasts, sharing stories that reveal their dreams and desires. In their dialogue, they weave intricate fantasies, constructing visions of lives that could have been. Andrey, with his characteristic introspection, quickly acknowledges that his aspirations are mere illusions, flights of fancy that provide temporary solace. He embodies a sense of resignation to his reality, illustrating a deep-seated cynicism born from his experiences and disappointments.

In stark contrast, Sonya remains resolute in her optimism. Clinging to her dreams, she embodies hope and the belief that life still holds possibilities for fulfillment. Her character, marked by resilience, actively seeks to uplift both herself and Andrey, embodying the spirit of perseverance even in a changed world. Their exchanges become a refuge, a comforting embrace against the harsh realities of their lives in a Moscow that has dramatically transformed over the years.

The dialogue between Sonya and Andrey serves as a vehicle for exploring themes of loss, longing, and the passage of time. They reflect not only on their personal tragedies and heartaches but also on the broader societal shifts occurring around them. The café, once an ordinary meeting place, is imbued with a deeper significance as it symbolizes a crossroads, encapsulating the remnants of their past lives alongside the fragmented hopes for their futures.

Friel masterfully captures the essence of Chekhov’s characters while infusing them with a new life and urgency. "Afterplay" is both a tribute to the original works and an exploration of the enduring human condition, illustrating how the passage of time can shape our dreams and relationships. Through Sonya and Andrey, the play delves into the complexities of nostalgia, the interplay of fantasy and reality, and the profound comfort found in connection, even amidst revolutionary upheaval.

The play premiered in 2002 at the Gate Theatre in Dublin. It has seen various revivals, including a notable production at the Gielgud Theatre in 2002, directed by Robin Lefevre and featuring John Hurt as Andrey and Penelope Wilton as Sonya. Another revival took place at the King's Theatre in Edinburgh, and in 2009, it starred Frances Barber and Niall Buggy, with a reviewer noting the heavy emotional burden of past traumas in their chance encounter.

SAB/