TEHRAN-The play “Compromise” written by the French author Phillip Claudel and directed by Kourosh Soleimani is on stage at Iranshahr Theater in Tehran.

Director Soleimani also performs in the 80-minute play along with Behnam Tashakor and Ramin Naser-Nasir.

The story is about two 30-year-old friends who meet in an empty apartment. One is a mediocre actor, the other a failed playwright. The first wants to sell the apartment and has asked the second to be present when signing the contract, to reassure the buyer. Because, even though he writes very bad plays, he still has a reassuring face. While waiting for the buyer, they talk, flatter, and caress each other. However, as time passes, they also tease, hurt, and make fun of each other. When the buyer eventually arrives, he witnesses a farcical but uncompromising settling of scores between the two friends. Will he remain the spectator, become the arbiter, or ultimately be the only victim? 

Philippe Claudel, 61, is a writer and film director. In addition to his writing, Claudel is a professor of literature at the University of Nancy.

His best-known work to date is the novel “Grey Souls,” which won the Prix Renaudot in France, was shortlisted for the American Gumshoe Award, and won Sweden's Martin Beck Award. He won the 2003 Prix Goncourt de la Nouvelle for “Les petites mécaniques”, and the 2010 Independent Foreign Fiction Prize for “Brodeck’s Report”.

His debut film “I've Loved You So Long” in 2008 won the BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language. Claudel also won the César Award for Best First Feature Film for the film.

“Compromise” will be performed until January 16, 2024 at Iranshahr Theater located in Artists Park on North Mousavi Street, Taleqani Street.

SS/SAB