Transform Your Space: Divar Art Home Staging Brings Brian Clark’s ‘Whose Life Is It Anyway?’ to Life!
Experience the powerful and thought-provoking play “Whose Life Is It Anyway?” by Brian Clark, currently being performed at Divar Art Home in Tehran. This gripping production explores the complex themes of life, autonomy, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding euthanasia.
Directed by Dorsa Aghaei, the 80-minute play features a talented cast including Shahin Zare’, Yukabed Mousavi, Alireza Sa’adati, Hadiseh Rezaei, Hamid Mehrju, Negin Khosrow, Shayan Heydari, Naghmeh Mon’emi, and Sara Lotfi. Set within the confines of a hospital room, audiences are introduced to the central character, Ken Harrison, a sculptor who has become a quadriplegic due to a tragic car accident.
Ken’s condition leaves him paralyzed from the neck down, with only his brain functioning normally. While modern medicine keeps him alive, Ken grapples with a profound desire to die. This poignant narrative raises essential questions about euthanasia and the extent to which government and medical professionals should interfere in an individual’s life choices.
Throughout the play, Brian Clark masterfully presents arguments both supporting and opposing euthanasia. He portrays Ken as an intelligent man trapped in a body that no longer serves him, evoking a mix of empathy and conflict in the audience regarding his choice to end his life. As Ken fights for his right to die rather than endure a life of incapacitation, the play delves into the moral and legal implications of his situation, as well as the varied reactions from the hospital staff.
Brian Clark (1932-2021) was a renowned British playwright and screenwriter, known for his insightful explorations of human experience. He taught at numerous educational institutions and was a key member of the Drama Department at the University of Hull from 1968 to 1972. His most famous work, “Whose Life Is It Anyway?”, debuted in 1978 and has since become a classic.
The journey to stage this groundbreaking play was not easy; Clark spent six years seeking a West-End theater management willing to take the risk of presenting a story centered around a tetraplegic character. However, once it premiered, it became an incredible success, captivating audiences both in London and on Broadway, and winning several prestigious awards. A film adaptation followed, further cementing its impact on popular culture.
The central dilemma presented in “Whose Life Is It Anyway?” resonates deeply with audiences: the tension between a medical professional’s commitment to preserving life and an individual’s right to make personal choices about their existence. This conflict remains as relevant today as it was in the 1970s, prompting ongoing discussions about personal autonomy and ethical responsibility.
- Title: Whose Life Is It Anyway?
- Playwright: Brian Clark
- Director: Dorsa Aghaei
- Location: Divar Art Home, No. 72, Sepand St., Nejatollahi St., Tehran
- Duration: 80 minutes
- Cast: Shahin Zare’, Yukabed Mousavi, Alireza Sa’adati, Hadiseh Rezaei, Hamid Mehrju, Negin Khosrow, Shayan Heydari, Naghmeh Mon’emi, and Sara Lotfi
“Whose Life Is It Anyway?” offers a compelling exploration of life, choice, and the human spirit, making it a must-see production for anyone interested in the complexities surrounding these vital issues. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this unforgettable performance at Divar Art Home.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the venue’s official website or contact them directly.
