TEHRAN -- Behzad Abdi’s new historical musical will open at Vahdat Hall on November 20, while Monday’s theatre news also brought tributes to the late actor and director Kourosh Zarei and updates on several Tehran stage productions.
The cast has been announced for Amir Kabir, a new Iranian musical exploring the life and legacy of one of the most influential statesmen in modern Iranian history, as ticket sales begin ahead of its Tehran premiere.
Written and directed by Behzad Abdi and produced by Davoud Namvar, the production is scheduled to open on November 20 at Vahdat Hall in Tehran. Tickets went on sale at 3pm on Monday, November 9.
The cast, listed in order of appearance, includes Nasim Adabi, Mehran Ranjbar, Amir Karbalaeizadeh (Nikan), Behnaz Naderi, Arash Dadgar, Amir Kaveh Ahaninjan, Shahrouz Delafkar, Mohsen Zarrabadipour and Behzad Davari.
Described as an original Iranian musical, Amir Kabir combines dramatic storytelling, music, singing and movement to revisit the fate of the 19th-century statesman, whose political reforms and eventual execution remain defining episodes in Iranian history.
The story begins in the study of a historian who, under pressure to accommodate political interests, has abandoned the third chapter of his dissertation.
An encounter with a character named Talkhak transports him into the Qajar period, where he confronts a theatrical retelling of Amir Kabir’s fate and broader questions about the relationship between individuals and history.
The production’s announcement comes as Iran’s theatre community also reflects on the death of actor and director Kourosh Zarei, who died on Sunday, following a period of illness.
Known for his work in theatre, television and religious-themed productions, Zarei was also recognized for his portrayal of Lavi in the television series Prophet Joseph.
Tributes were issued by cultural figures and officials, including Culture Minister Seyed Abbas Salehi. His funeral procession is scheduled to take place at Hozeh Honari in Tehran on Tuesday, followed by burial in Qom on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, several productions continue to shape Tehran’s theatrical program.
Kourosh, written and directed by Nader Borhani-Marand, is running at the Main Hall of Tehran City Theatre through November 12, with performances scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Another production, Moslem, is preparing to open at Tehran Theatre Campus on November 10 for a ten-night run through November 19.
Written by Masoud Esmaeili and Morteza Hashemi-Golpayegani and directed by Esmaeili, the production is scheduled to be staged twice daily, at 5:45pm and 8:45pm, as part of the venue’s program for the Fatemiyeh mourning period.