In October 2017, my mind started buzzing with the idea of bringing Martin McDonagh’s compelling play, “The Pillowman,” to the stage in Zanjan. Despite being a dedicated electrical engineering student, my heart was deeply invested in the world of theater. Thus, I took on the exhilarating challenge of directing this powerful production.
Over the course of a year, my team and I delved into the intricate world of the play. We began with a group of talented actors from Abhar who traveled over 50 minutes to join our rehearsals in Zanjan. However, unforeseen circumstances forced us to regroup with a new set of actors, presenting us with unexpected hurdles to overcome.
One of our primary struggles lay in capturing the genuine essence of the play’s dark humor while dealing with the intricacies of language translation. Reflecting on my academic pursuits during my Master’s degree, I found myself echoing Sam Shepard’s sentiments on the complexities of translating McDonagh’s work into a different language, particularly when humor played a central role.
Additionally, the challenge of ensuring that the play remained accessible and engaging for the audience demanded careful consideration. Local theater artists in Zanjan suggested trimming certain scenes to keep the performance duration reasonable, yet I made the conscious decision to retain the play’s original structure, believing in the power of the narrative and its impact on the audience.
Ultimately, our perseverance paid off, as the audience embraced the unaltered rendition with enthusiasm and appreciation. The success of “The Pillowman” in Zanjan not only marked a personal achievement but also celebrated the resilience and dedication of the entire team, leaving a lasting impression on the local theater community.
P.S. Photos are taken by Sina Koosha and Nima Bigdeli