TEHRAN- Acclaimed Iranian actors Amir Aqai, Elnaz Shakerdoost and Sina Mehrad have been cast as the lead roles in the upcoming grand outdoor show “The Battle of Rustam and Sohrab”, which will be directed by Hossein Parsai. 

The production, set to take the stage this summer, is a musical adaptation of the legendary tale of Rustam and Sohrab from the Shahnameh, the epic masterpiece of the Persian poet Ferdowsi, with a focus on national identity and self-discovery, ISNA reported on Tuesday. 

Aqai and Mehrad will take on the iconic roles of Rustam and Sohrab, respectively, while Shakerdoost will collaborate with the project as Tahmineh, Rustam’s wife. Written by Matin Izadi, the production is being produced by Seyyed Mahmoud Shobieri and Hossein Parsai. Soheil Danesh Eshraghi is the artistic director, set and costume designer of the project.

The story of Rustam and Sohrab from the Shahnameh is a poignant and tragic tale of a father and son unknowingly facing each other in a battle that leads to heartbreak and sorrow.

Sohrab, a valiant and young warrior, unaware of his true parentage, is determined to prove his bravery and skill by challenging Rustam, the legendary hero and champion of Iran. Rustam is initially reluctant to fight Sohrab, as he senses a strong and noble spirit in the young warrior. However, duty and honor compel Rustam to accept the challenge from his unknown son.

The father and son engage in a fierce and intense battle, each displaying remarkable courage and strength. Sohrab, with his youthful vigor and skill, gains the upper hand in the duel, striking Rustam with powerful blows. In a moment of desperation and realization, Rustam notices a distinctive bracelet on Sohrab's wrist – a token he had given to Tahmineh, a princess whom he had a brief encounter with years ago, unaware of the child she bore.

As the truth dawns upon Rustam, he is filled with anguish and regret for unknowingly facing his own son in battle. In a heart-wrenching and emotional scene, Rustam holds Sohrab in his arms, realizing the tragic mistake that has led to the death of his beloved child. Sohrab, in his final moments of life, reveals his true lineage to Rustam, asking for his forgiveness and expressing his longing for a father-son relationship that was lost to the cruelty of fate.

The story of Rustam and Sohrab is a powerful and moving narrative that explores themes of love, destiny, and the devastating consequences of misunderstandings and the tragedies of war. It serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the inevitable sorrows that can result from the actions of both fathers and sons.

SAB/