TEHRAN — A new Iranian stage production inspired by a short story by acclaimed Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami will premiere in Tehran on July 12, exploring themes of memory, identity and psychological healing through a surreal narrative.
Written and directed by Nima Mazaheri, the play, titled “Haruki Murakami,” is based on one of the author’s short stories and will be staged at the Labkhand Theater Complex.
According to the production synopsis, the story follows Gava, the human resources manager of the Yuhago Zoo, who suddenly forgets his own name. After meeting a therapist, he discovers that the mysterious lapse in memory has deeper psychological roots.
The production stars Farzaneh Ghasemzadeh, Maryam Firouzi and Nima Mazaheri.
Murakami’s fiction has long attracted a devoted readership in Iran, where several of his short stories have previously been adapted for the stage. His works, known for blending surrealism, magical realism and psychological introspection, have also inspired film adaptations internationally.
Among the best-known Iranian theatrical interpretations of Murakami’s work is playwright Naghmeh Samini’s Three Therapy Sessions and a Party, adapted from the short story “Shinagawa Monkey” and previously staged under the direction of Afsaneh Mahian.
The new production is produced by Seyed Adel Mosadegh and features a creative team including music composer Andre Khachikian, costume designer Sara Babaei, set designer Nika Alikhani, lighting designer Ali Yousefi, and makeup designer Ehsan Ronasi.
The 75-minute production will run nightly at 9 p.m. in Hall No. 2 of the Labkhand Theater Complex beginning July 12.