Experience the Brilliance of Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s ‘Romulus the Great’ Live at Mehrab Theater!

The renowned play “Romulus the Great”, penned by Friedrich Dürrenmatt, is currently captivating audiences at Mehrab Theater in Tehran. Directed by Mojtaba Tabatabaei, the production features a talented cast including Fatima Joudaki, Omid Mojtahedi, Arman Nessehifar, Zahra Labafian, Laleh Zolfaghari, Mahsa Esmaeili, and Ali Panahi among others.

Originally written in 1950, this unhistorical historical comedy unfolds in four parts, depicting the decline of the Western Roman Empire during the 5th century. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Ides of March in 476 AD, a critical juncture in Roman history.

Within the play, the Roman Empire is on the brink of collapse, yet imperator Romulus remains unfazed. Even as the Germanic troops led by General Odokar advance rapidly, Romulus is preoccupied with his breakfast and uninterested in the ominous news surrounding him. His primary concerns revolve around his chickens—each named after distinguished Roman leaders or philosophers—and their egg production. This obsession with poultry has become his singular passion.

Since assuming control of the Western Roman Empire two decades ago, Romulus has devoted his attention solely to his clucking hens. His palace mirrors the dilapidated state of the empire itself. Recently, the finance minister absconded with the treasury, leaving Romulus to compensate his staff with the last remnants of his golden laurel crown.

Meanwhile, Romulus’ wife, Julia, along with the remaining court members, is increasingly anxious about the dire reports threatening their world. They implore their imperator to take decisive action.

However, Romulus is disinterested in their pleas. He even dismisses an extravagant proposal from Cäsar Rupf, a wealthy pants manufacturer, who offers to invest millions in saving Rome in exchange for the hand of Romulus’ daughter and a law mandating pants as a civic obligation.

The imperator’s apparent apathy frustrates his allies, yet they are unaware of the deeper motivations behind Romulus’ inaction. His lethargy is a calculated decision aimed at orchestrating the downfall of the Roman Empire, which he believes no longer deserves to exist. He has resolved to be the judge of his morally decayed homeland.

Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s comedic masterpiece spans from the morning of March 15th to the morning of March 16th, 476, subtly alluding to the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century A.D. However, the play primarily serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the decline of advanced civilizations, driven by their own complacency and hubris.

Dürrenmatt meticulously revised this timeless text until 1980, ensuring its relevance over the decades. The setting and characters in “Romulus the Great” are imbued with absurdity and humor, allowing for a profound yet comical examination of political and societal dynamics.

Friedrich Dürrenmatt (1921-1990), a celebrated Swiss author and dramatist, was a key figure in the realm of epic theater. His works often reflected the tumultuous experiences of World War II, blending avant-garde drama, philosophical crime novels, and macabre satire.

Performance Details:

• Play: “Romulus the Great”
• Director: Mojtaba Tabatabaei
• Cast Includes: Fatima Joudaki, Omid Mojtahedi, Arman Nessehifar, Zahra Labafian, Laleh Zolfaghari, Mahsa Esmaeili, and Ali Panahi
• Venue: Mehrab Theater
• Location: Junction of Imam Khomeini and Vali-e Asr streets, Tehran
• Run Dates: Until February 21

This production of “Romulus the Great” offers a unique lens through which to view the complexities of power, governance, and human follies, all while providing audiences with a blend of humor and insightful commentary on historical and contemporary issues.