Experience the Power of ‘Yerma’: National Theater Live Screening at IAF Cinematheque!

The Iranian Artists Forum (IAF) in Tehran is set to captivate theater enthusiasts with the screening of the acclaimed 2017 filmed theater production, “National Theater Live: Yerma”. Directed by Simon Stone and Tony Grech-Smith, this gripping adaptation will be shown on Wednesday at 5 p.m. as part of the IAF cinematheque’s ongoing series celebrating prominent filmed theater. This production promises to engage audiences with its intense narrative and powerful performances.

“Yerma” unfolds in modern-day London, depicting the harrowing journey of a woman consumed by her desperate longing to become a mother. This contemporary retelling is a radical reimagining of the original work by Federico García Lorca, which has been hailed as a poignant exploration of yearning and loss.

Here are some key highlights about the production:

• Critically Acclaimed: This version of “Yerma” garnered universal acclaim during its premiere at the Young Vic in 2016 and triumphed at the 2017 Olivier Awards, winning Best Revival.
• Outstanding Performances: Billie Piper, who plays the lead role, received the Best Actress award at the Olivier Awards and the Evening Standard Natasha Richardson Award for her exceptional performance.
• Supporting Cast: The performances of Maureen Beattie, Brendan Cowell, John MacMillan, and Charlotte Randle also received high praise from critics.

The original play, written in 1934, portrays the life of a childless woman in rural Spain, whose overwhelming desire for motherhood leads her to commit an unspeakable act. García Lorca referred to “Yerma” as “a tragic poem,” reflecting its deep emotional resonance.

In the original narrative, the protagonist, Yerma (which translates to “barren”), finds herself in a heartbreaking situation that culminates in a tragic confrontation with her husband, driven by frustration and despair over her inability to conceive. The play centers around themes of nature, fertility, and the societal pressures faced by a young working-class couple in 1930s Spain.

However, Simon Stone’s adaptation shifts the setting and context, focusing on a modern middle-class couple in London. The female lead, portrayed by Billie Piper, shares her desire for a child with her boyfriend, John (played by Brendan Cowell), as they settle into their new home. Both characters are depicted as being in the midst of successful careers, yet their pursuit of parenthood becomes increasingly fraught.

As time progresses, John’s commitment to starting a family wanes. His work-related travel and the mounting pressure from his girlfriend’s obsession with motherhood lead him to seek solace in alcohol, ultimately culminating in infidelity. The narrative powerfully illustrates how the passage of time exacerbates the female lead’s fixation on having a child, which she articulates through her online blog—a platform that gains a significant readership.

As their relationship evolves, the couple decides to marry and explores the option of IVF, investing an astonishing quarter of a million pounds in their quest for a child. This decision severely strains both their marriage and her relationships with her family, particularly with her mother and sister.

Throughout her blog, the female lead expresses complex emotions regarding motherhood, even revealing satisfaction at her sister’s miscarriage and developing disdain for other people’s children. This raw honesty underscores the emotional toll that their journey takes on the couple.

In a climactic moment towards the end of the production, John confronts the reality of their financial struggles, revealing that they are in £60,000 of debt and that he intends to leave her. In a moment of desperation, the female lead threatens him with a knife and, in a symbolic act, takes her own life by stabbing herself in the womb. This heartbreaking conclusion serves as a powerful commentary on the lengths to which one might go when consumed by a desire for motherhood.

Overall, Simon Stone’s “Yerma” is a gripping exploration of obsession, loss, and the societal pressures surrounding parenthood, making it a must-see for theater lovers. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness a modern classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.