‘Enigmatic Variations,’ a mysterious play about the truth and lies of love written by Franco-Belgian playwright, novelist, short story writer and film director Eric Emmanuel Schmitt, 57, is underway at Paytakht Theater Hall in Tehran.
It is directed by Iranian theater director Saqi Ataee who has worked closely with experienced dramatists such as Ali Reza Naderi and Mohammad Yaqoubi, Honaronline reported.
‘Enigmatic Variations’ opened on June 26 and will run for a month. The 90-minute play starts at 7 pm and is performed by two actors: film and theater actor, puppeteer and voice actor Vahid Aqapour, and Houman Kiaee, another talented thespian. They play the roles of a novelist and a journalist who is granted a rare opportunity to interview the writer.
The story is about a brilliant and reclusive Nobel Prize novelist, living on an island in the Norwegian Sea, who has written a passionate book of letters between a man and a woman in love. The book has given him universal acclaim and now a little-known journalist is to interview him at his isolated retreat.
In the afternoon of the winter solstice, a few simple questions turn into a twisting, shattering revelation of secrets that link these men in a profound and unexpected way.
‘Enigmatic Variations’ is rendered into Persian by translator Shahla Haeri. Speaking on the play, Ataee said: “It portrays the difference between two men in their way of looking at love, emotionally and rationally. What caught my attention in the work was Schmitt’s psychological approach to the concept of love.”
About the actors, she said: “Aqapour and Kiaee are brilliant actors in theater, always acting professionally. I wanted to collaborate with actors who care to pose questions and challenge the director. I believe, if there’s no challenge, no innovation will follow.”
The play is accompanied by original music composed by rock musician, singer and lyricist Kaveh Afaq.
Paytakht Theater is located at No. 831, 8th floor, southern tower of Palladium Commercial Center, Moqadas Ardebili Street, Zafaranieh neighborhood.
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