Tehran Theater Presents Captivating Reading of Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt’s ‘Between Worlds’
On Saturday, the renowned Medea Hall in Tehran will host a captivating reading performance of Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt’s acclaimed 1999 play, “Between Worlds” (originally titled “Hotel des Deux Mondes”). Directed by Sarina Kian, this performance features a talented cast that includes Sajjad Taheri, Mohammad Javad Mohammadi, Parham Purkhamseh, Shakiba Kanan, and Mehregan Tehrani.
“Between Worlds” has been beautifully translated into Persian by the esteemed Iranian translator Shahla Haeri. This metaphysical play unfolds in the Dodunia guesthouse, a unique and liminal space where individuals linger in comas, awaiting treatment. This extraordinary venue exists between the realms of earth and sky, serving as a transitional zone for guests who are either on the verge of returning to life or moving on to the afterlife.
Throughout the play, each character grapples with profound existential questions, such as:
- “How did I get here?”
- “When will I be able to leave?”
- “Where will I go?”
However, the answers remain elusive, leaving the characters enveloped in uncertainty.
The diverse cast of guests at the “Between Worlds” includes:
- Colin: recovering from a car accident caused by excessive drinking.
- The Chairman: a self-absorbed businessman obsessed with leveraging connections for his escape.
- The Magus: a fortune teller offering a cynical yet affectionate perspective on his fellow residents.
- Jessie: a cleaning lady who discovers unexpected care and comfort in this surreal setting.
- Laura: a paraplegic girl confined to a wheelchair in the real world, but miraculously enjoying a healthy, functioning body within the guesthouse.
Under the watchful gaze of the mysterious Doctor S., the guests confront their deepest fears and desires. The doctor’s silence amplifies their anxieties, creating a stark contrast to the surreal experiences they encounter. In this peculiar realm, the boundaries of possibility blur, allowing miraculous occurrences to unfold—such as the lame regaining their ability to walk and lies transforming into truths.
The play seamlessly oscillates between humor and sorrow, dream and reality. It delves into the themes of life, death, and the search for meaning. “Between Worlds” serves as a profound exploration of hope and mystery, shedding light on the human quest for understanding amid uncertainty.
Through the interactions among the guests and their reflections on their past lives, Schmitt crafts a poignant narrative that illustrates the fragile line between existence and the void. The characters’ shared journey encapsulates a profound commentary on the human condition, leading to the realization that even in the face of the unknown, the essence of mystery remains a vital source of hope.
Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt, born in 1960, is a prolific Franco-Belgian playwright, novelist, and film director whose works have captivated audiences in over fifty countries. Raised in a family of educators, his early exposure to literature ignited a lifelong passion for storytelling.
Schmitt pursued higher education in philosophy at the École normale supérieure and later obtained a PhD from Paris-Sorbonne University. His literary career flourished in the 1990s with plays such as “Don Juan on Trial” and “The Visitor”, both of which received critical acclaim and numerous awards.
In addition to his plays, Schmitt has authored several well-regarded novels, including “The Gospel According to Pilate” and “Oscar and the Lady in Pink”. He has received numerous literary awards and continues to explore various genres, including screenwriting and music. His works resonate deeply with themes of human experience, spirituality, and existential exploration, establishing him as one of the most widely read contemporary French-language authors.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this remarkable performance at Medea Hall, where the intricate tapestry of human emotions and existential dilemmas will come alive on stage.
