The Brothers Karamazov
Based on the Novel by: Fyodor Dostoevsky
Translator: Ahad Aligholian
Overview
‘The Brothers Karamazov’ delves into the dark and turbulent world of the Karamazov family in Russia. Amidst the family chaos, Dmitri is embroiled in a conflict with his father Fyodor over both money and his lover, Grushenka. When Fyodor is found murdered, Dmitri becomes the prime suspect. Alongside Dmitri, we meet his brothers – Alyosha, a devoted spiritual novice; Ivan, a rational intellectual; and Smerdyakov, their illegitimate half-brother – all caught up in this intricate family drama.
In bringing Dostoevsky’s philosophical and psychological themes to the stage, this production transforms the novel’s depth through the visceral experience of theater. Rather than simply narrating the Karamazovs' tale, it fosters an interactive dialogue between literature and performance. Visual metaphors, movement, and live interactions deepen the audience’s emotional engagement, adding layers to Dostoevsky’s insights into human nature and moral ambiguity. The approach, inspired by diverse elements –photography, film, essays, poetry, and even the performers' personal experiences – blends reality with fiction, inviting reflection on human nature within the unique context of Iranian culture.
Ivan Karamazov’s Essay: In Pursuit of My Mother’s Photographs...
Collective Note
Can Theatre Cultivate Democracy?
Theatre undoubtedly serves as a democratic space, embodying the ideals of equality and liberty. In our view, members of a group do not occupy fixed, isolated positions within a hierarchy. Instead, each individual brings a unique set of perspectives and desires, shaping not just the final production but the entire creative process itself—one that thrives on diversity.
Since our formation in 2018, we have actively sought ways to translate democratic principles into our practice. Our rehearsal environment challenges traditional norms by asking simple yet profound questions: How do we define the roles of directors, performers, designers, texts, and crew? How can we create, rehearse, and perform theatre in free, non-hierarchical forms? And ultimately, who does theatre belong to?
By breaking free from conventional structures, we have explored new ways to engage with our audience—both during rehearsals and beyond. Our ongoing search for answers culminates in an 8-hour performance event, where participants step into uncertain experiences in an unfamiliar setting, shaped by improvisation every time they come together.
The Audience’s Gaze
Venues & Dates
- Iranshahr Theatre, Samandarian Hall, Tehran, Iran – From November 2024 (Ongoing)
Cast and Crew
The production emphasizes a non-hierarchical approach, where titles such as ‘actor’ or ‘stage manager’ are replaced by individual contributions, encouraging a fluid and collaborative environment. Below is the list of contributors to ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ production:
Majid Aghakarimi, Vahid Ajorlou, Mehdi Hesam Alzakerin, Erfan Amin, Mehrdad Babaei, Fares Bagheri, Shekiba Bahramian, Sahar Rajabi, Mostafa Qaheri, Tahere Hazave, Sajad Hamidian, Ashkan Kheilnejad, Amin Manian, Aynaz Mousaei, Atena Naderzadeh, Maryam Nourmohammadi, Keyhan Parchami, Mohammadreza Rashidi, Hamed Rasouli, Milad Shajareh, Mehdi Shahedi, Hosseyn Tabatabaei, Mojtaba Karimi, Avazeh Javaherian, Reza Abedini, Mehrdad Rezaie, and Sina Barzegar.