Dear Shaded Viewers,
I just returned from a performance of Shâhnâmè – a Persian epic, the second part of the adaptation of the Persian Book of Kings in a life-size animated shadow theatre. The Book of Kings – Shâhnâmè was written by the poet Ferdowsi in the 10th century and tells the mythological story of ancient Persia in verse, including several tales of famous heroes and characters from Iranian history. Hamid Rahmanian is the illustrator and animator that brings the Persian epic back to life with an adaptation of the episode of Bijan and Manijeh’s love story. The performance is a combination of shadow theatre, live action and animated film sets, you are immediately transported to this mythical epic about Manijeh, a heroine admired for her strength and determination, she helps prevent war between rival kingdoms.
When the actors behind the shadow puppets took their bows the audience erupted in cheers. Performances are Thursday 10th February until Sunnday 13th. There are two performances Saturday and Sunday. Don’t miss it.
Conceived, created and directed by Hamid Rahmanian under the original title Song of the North
Co-written by Hamid Rahmanian and Melissa Hibbard and adapted from Shâhnâmè: The Book of Kings
Production: Melissa Hibbard
Stage Manager : Zach Perez
Manager: Ray Dondero
Starring: Sam Jay Gold (Rostam), Harrison Greene (Gorgin), Jenny Hann (Simorgh), Esme Roszel, Sarah Walsh (Manijeh), Clay Westman (Bijan), Christopher Williams
Translation of surtitles: Géraldine Bretault
A Fictionville Studio production, a Two Chairs Inc. project.
Later,
Diane
