Tehran – Iranian director Hamidreza Naimi is re-running an adaptation of the play “Frederick” by Belgian playwright Eric Emmanuel Schmidt in the Vadat Hall in Tehran.
The cast consisting of renowned actors Hamed Komeli, Atefe Razabi, Behana Sharafi and Bahar Nouhian performs a play translated into Persian by Shara Khali.
Naimi previously performed “Frederick” at Vardat Hall in May and at City Theater Complex in 2023.
Originally entitled “Frederick or Crime Avenue,” Schmidt’s play “Frederick,” weaves intricately the complexities of theater and life, exploring the fascinating world of performance, ambition and human connection. In the center is Frederick Lemitelet, a gorgeous 19th-century actor whose charisma fascinates Paris.
Famous for his theatrical prowess and passionate portrayal of love on stage, Frederick avoids genuine emotional connections in his personal life, whilst entertaining his prejudices.
The play delves into the plot surrounding the theatre, highlighting the frequent dramatic relationships between the actors, the incompetence of the greedy playwright, and the manipulative nature of the greedy manager. In this vibrant background, the themes and burdens of happiness that come with the acting profession emerge, ultimately highlighting the paradox of authenticity in an illusory world.
Frederick’s life changes when he meets Berenice, a mysterious woman who has not been exposed to the realm of theater. Her presence challenges Frederick’s longstanding beliefs about love and encourages her to stand up to pivotal choices. This encounter brings about the nature of love (whether it is a constructed performance or a genuine experience, whether it emphasizes the dichotomy between stages and reality).
As Frederick navigates these emotional complexities, the audience is invited to look back at the blurred line between their perception of their love and the often truth and performance. Ultimately, “Frederick” is a poignant quest for love, ambition, and the complexity of the human condition in the vibrant yet unstable world of theatre.
Eric Emmanuel Schmidt is a well-known Franco-Belgian playwright, short story writer, novelist and film director whose works have been performed in over 50 countries.
In the 1990s, Schmidt was rapidly praised through plays like Don Juan at Trial and “Visitor”, the latter receiving several prestigious awards. He has also written prominent novels such as The Gospel of Pilate and Alternative Hypothesis.
Schmidt’s diverse works reflect his broad literary talent and explore philosophical themes and humanitarian issues.
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