A Moment of Silence

Director: Ayda Keykhaei

Playwright: Mohammad Yaghoubi

Overview

Originally staged by Mohammad Yaghoubi in 2001, this play was soon banned, but saw a revival a decade later under Aida Keykhaei’s direction, with a new cast. The narrative follows a writer facing threats amid government-led killings of Iranian intellectuals, as he writes a play about Shiva, a woman who awakens years in the future each time she sleeps. This layered structure intertwines the writer’s life with his wife and Shiva’s journey through pivotal events in Iranian history. In a striking climax, a loudspeaker announces the writer’s murder, leaving both his and Shiva’s stories unfinished. The play ends with a moment of silence, honoring Iran’s slain writers.
Using a minimalist set and stylized acting, Aida Keykhaei aims to reconnect the audience with a nearly forgotten past. The performance’s tension echoes Shiva’s repeated awakenings, like a distant dream she cannot fully grasp, yet feels deeply. This resonance lingers, creating a lasting emotional impact on the audience.

My Insights

As an assistant director, collaborating with ‘Nowadays Theatre Company’ has been transformative for my artistic vision. Their focus on socially engaged themes, narrative experimentation inspired by literature and cinema, and commitment to sensitive social and political issues has guided me toward a storytelling-based approach in theatre. Productions such as ‘Whose Life Is It Anyway?’ reflect this direction, heavily influenced by the practices and ethos of this group.

Venues & Dates

Cast

Impact

Production