Tehran – The adaptation of American playwright Arthur Miller’s 1970 play “The Archbishop’s Ceiling” is set in the Neaful Le Chateau Theatre in Tehran.
Mohammad Sadeq Peymanfar is the director of the play and is translated by Hassan Maleki.
Mobina Ramezani, Rahim Mehrandish, Soroush Borjaki, Amir Saeid Afshar and Fatemeh Aqa-Ali are the main members of the cast of the play and will remain on stage for a month.
The “Archbishop’s Ceiling” delves into the complexities of life under a repressive regime. It first premiered at John F. Kennedy Center in 1977, but despite 40 performances, the play did not reach Broadway. Miller later revised the script, with the updated version debuting in 1984 at the Cleveland Playhouse.
The play unfolds in a gorgeous room within the palace of a former archbishop in the Eastern European capital. This is ingrained in the constant threat of surveillance by secret police. At the heart of the story is Sigmund, a middle-aged author who has fallen out of his favor with control. He faces tough choices: facial detention and punishment, or flaws to the west.
Sigmund’s dilemma is influenced by both writers, two former friends. Marcus, a fellow and former political prisoner, was able to gain favour from the current administration. American visitors, Adrian embodies strong liberal ideals and encourages Sigmund’s flaws. Adding another layer of complexity is Maya, a poet and actress who is romantically involved with all three.
“The Archbishop’s Ceiling” is a deeply interesting play that explores the complex web of relationships between these four characters. It skillfully weaves themes of politics, art and gender, creating stories in which personal life is closely intertwined with the political climate. The constant possibility of deafness adds obvious tension and raises deep questions about morality and personal responsibility in a society where freedom is reduced.
Arthur Asher Miller (1915–2005) was a prominent American playwright, essayist and screenwriter. His important contributions to American theatres in the 20th century include acclaimed plays like “The Death of a Salesman,” one of the best American plays of the era: “All My Sons,” “The Crucible,” and “The Views from the Bridge.” Miller also wrote scripts such as “The Misfits.”
As a public figure, he won a Pulitzer Prize for his drama, testified before the House Non-American Activities Committee and married Marilyn Monroe. His prominent career has won numerous awards, including the Premium Imperiale and The Prince of Asturias Award.
sab/