The acclaimed mystery comedy the Murder of Mr. Haversham will return to Tehran on August 26. Director Faraz Gholami and producer Sajjad Afsharian will stage the production for its fourth run at Shahrzad Theater Hall. Furthermore, the upcoming staging follows three highly successful previous engagements at several prominent cultural venues in Tehran. Theater audiences previously enjoyed sold-out performances at the Labkhand Theater Complex, Malek Theater, and Iranshahr Theater.
Translator Shahab Nezamdoust adapted the popular script into Persian from the internationally renowned British stage hit. Originally written in 2012, the underlying play, The Play That Goes Wrong, achieved widespread global fame. Specifically, British playwrights Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields created the original comedy for Mischief Theatre. Consequently, the production earned prestigious honors, including the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.
The intricate narrative centers on an amateur drama troupe attempting to stage a classic 1920s murder mystery. However, a series of technical failures and physical mishaps constantly derail the fictional performers throughout the performance. Specifically, the ensemble members contend with collapsing set pieces, jammed doors, forgotten lines, and misplaced props. Furthermore, the actors face sudden physical hazards, including collapsing floorboards, falling wall decorations, and unexpected stage knockouts.
Director Gholami relies on precise physical timing and energetic ensemble work to create relentless situational humor. Consequently, an expansive ensemble cast featuring Ahmad Samimi, Iman Nazifi, and Golnoush Ghahremani returns for this revival. Furthermore, Amin Zare, Ali Chaychi, Erfan Ranjbar, and Maryam Basirifar join the energetic local troupe. Mohammad Omidi, Shayan Heydari, Shakiba Elkaei, and Sogol Zare complete the experienced domestic acting ensemble.
International producers have translated and staged this award-winning farce in 30 countries worldwide. International theater companies in China, France, Germany, Spain, and Brazil have successfully produced local adaptations. In addition, the original British creators expanded the successful comedy into a television series and international tours. Ultimately, local theater experts consider this Tehran production a remarkable commercial success for domestic theater venues.