This doublebill marks Hooshang Hessami's return to directing after a hiatus of twenty years. As a well-respected translator he has introduced many Western classics and contemporary plays to Iranian audiences. Although Wendy Wasserstein's monologue, Bodybuilding, might seem an unusual choice, the audience at this performance seemed to appreciate the pragmatic feminism the character advocated. Hessami's choice of Sima Tirandaz, with her big eyes and expressive face, was an inspired one. She seemed to ideally embody the quintessential urban woman creating an exercise tape in between taking cell phone calls from her editor and her husband. The pampered existence she reflected would be at home in either metropolis of New York or Tehran, as would her dissatisfaction with the restrictions she faces. Her final message, that she could find fulfillment only through work, was heartily applauded. The inventive but uncredited orange and yellow gym outfit was a model of creativity.
After intermission, the audience moved from the intimate cafe to Chaharsoo Hall for Lynn Nottage's Poof! For once a beleaguered wife (Golab Adineh) gets her fondest wish: after telling her crazy husband (Masood Mir Taheri) once again to go to hell, he disappears in a puff of smoke. Incredulous, she pokes at her former husband's smoldering remains. Elation alternates with despair, all shared over drinks with her tipsy neighbor (Sima Tirandaz). Now liberated, she settles on the positive view, and closes the one-acter with a masterful victory dance to "Strangers in the Night." Golab Adineh proves to be the equal of the great Russian actresses that have visited New York of late. Samira Sinaie offers a Retro-style set that matches the kitsch costumes.
Hessami's reappearance on the scene and his superb production became the most talked-about event of the fall theater season in Tehran.
