TEHRAN – An Iranian troupe plans to perform an adaptation of Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky’s short story “The Dream of a Ridiculous Man” at the Entezami Hall of the Iranian Artists Forum (IAF) in Tehran on Thursday. 

Director Milad Mohammadi has renamed the play “The Dream of Ridiculous Men”. 

The play is about a man who considers himself ridiculous, dreams that he travels to a utopian world where he discovers that humans are capable of living in perfect harmony, love, and mutual understanding.

However, he realizes that he is the only one who can bring knowledge of this beautiful world back to his own world. After returning to his own world, he begins to spread his message of love and understanding but is met with ridicule and disbelief. 

He eventually becomes despondent and decides to commit suicide, but is stopped by the kindness of a young girl. He realizes that the love he experienced in his dream was real and that it is worth striving for in his waking life. 

“The Dream of a Ridiculous Man” was first published in 1877 in a Russian literary magazine called "The Diary of a Writer". The story was written during a turbulent time in Russia's history, as the country was transitioning from a feudal society to an industrialized state. Dostoevsky was a prominent figure in Russian literature and was known for his insight into the human psyche and his exploration of complex themes such as morality, redemption, and the meaning of life.

Despite its relatively short length, "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man" remains one of Dostoevsky's most enduring and thought-provoking works, and continues to inspire readers to contemplate the deeper meanings and mysteries of the human experience.

Alireza Chavosh, Milad Mohammadi and Mohammadreza Hassanzadeh are the main members of the cast for the play that will remain on stage until October 20. 

SAB/