Experience Patrick Hamilton’s Gripping Drama ‘Rope’ Live at Tehran Theater Complex!
Experience the captivating and thought-provoking world of theater with the 1929 play “Rope,” written by the talented Patrick Hamilton. Currently, the Tehran Theater Complex is showcasing this gripping performance in its Medea Hall, directed by Seyyed Amirali Mirzad.
The production features a talented cast, including:
- Behnam Amoukhalili
- Ali Abdolrahimzadeh
- Mohammadali Aghaei
- Sajjad Jafari
- Fatemeh Shoghi
- Shakiba Motazedi
- Ardalan Razmi
“Rope” draws inspiration from the real-life murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks in 1924, committed by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. Set in 1929 Mayfair, London, the play explores the chilling actions of two young university students, Wyndham Brandon and Charles Granillo, who believe they can transcend moral boundaries to prove their intellectual superiority.
The plot unfolds as Wyndham Brandon convinces his impressionable friend, Charles Granillo, to assist him in the murder of a fellow student named Ronald Raglan. Their twisted adventure leads them to hide the body in a wooden chest and host a party, inviting acquaintances, including Raglan’s father, with the chest serving as an eerie supper table.
As the evening progresses, suspicion grows among the guests regarding the contents of the chest. After the party, former professor Rupert Cadell, who had previously expressed ideas of amorality, returns and is horrified to discover the truth. The play concludes without resolving the moral dilemma, leaving the audience to ponder the implications of their actions.
In 1948, Alfred Hitchcock adapted “Rope” into a film, making notable changes to the storyline. The movie shifts the setting to 1940s New York City and alters the names of all characters except Rupert Cadell, who is portrayed by James Stewart. This adaptation remains the only feature film version of Hamilton’s play to date.
Additionally, in 1983, “Rope” was dramatized as a BBC Radio 4 Drama for Saturday Night Theater, with the iconic Alan Rickman playing Cadell. Patrick Hamilton, born in 1904 and passing away in 1962, was a respected English playwright and novelist. His works are noted for their unique narrative style that reflects the inter-war London street culture, marked by a strong empathy for the less fortunate and a sharp sense of black humor.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see “Rope” live on stage at the Tehran Theater Complex, running until May 23. The venue is located at:
No. 3, Farhangi Alley, Vesal Shirazi St., Enghelab Ave.Whether you are a fan of classic theater or new to the scene, this production promises to deliver a powerful and thought-provoking experience that will linger long after the final curtain. Join us in exploring the depths of human morality and the consequences of our choices through the lens of Hamilton’s masterful storytelling.
For more information about ticket availability and showtimes, visit the Tehran Theater Complex’s official website or contact their box office directly.