A Fire Ignites – The Space @ Surgeons’ Hall

The ‘fire ignites’ following the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran in 2022. She had been arrested by the Morality Police for wearing her hijab “improperly” and subsequently died in custody. The Iranian authorities claimed she’s had a heart attack, but fellow detainees said she was severely beaten. Widespread protests broke out which were violently suppressed with more than 500 killed and tens of thousands arrested. Some protesters were executed.

Tara Tedjarati, who is Canadian-Iranian, has written, performs and directs this engaging one woman play. She’s also the lyricist and producer.

The fire also ignites literally when 16-year-old Parisa sets her hijab on fire, and shouts ‘Death to the Dictator’. Like so many women in Iran she objects to being compelled to cover her head in public.  Parisa is the first of three women played by Tedjarati. She’s very passionate and courageous, determined to stand up for the rights and freedoms of women in Iran. Parisa is fearless. Believing in the justness of her cause, she will continue protesting, no matter how much personal danger she faces.  She will never stop standing up for what she believes in – even if that results in her death.

As Parisa, Tedjarati sings two inspiring songs about her protest. She has a pleasant singing voice. Recorded piano music accompanies the songs.

Maryam is Parisa’s best friend She’s a lesbian and describes Iran as the most homophobic country in the world. A sexual relationship between members of the same sex is illegal. Punishments include fines, imprisonment, floggings and the death penalty.

Maryam’s parents realise she’s a lesbian but won’t admit it. Her mother sometimes tells her disapprovingly that she’s looking like a lesbian, warning her it’s dangerous. On one occasion she’s slapped so hard across the face by her father that the blow draws blood.

Maryam is frightened in Iran. She dreams of escaping to another country, perhaps the UK. She imagines being in London and wearing whatever clothes she chooses.

She’s head over heels in love with Parisa. We see her dancing round the stage on her own, imagining she’s with Parisa. The dance is well choreographed by Dan Hardwell.

Maryam is disappointed because she thinks her love for Parisa is unrequited. Then one day Parisa says she does love her. Parisa’s bisexual. But she doesn’t want a relationship. What’s most important is her campaign for women’s rights in Iran.

We also meet Yasaman, Parisa’s mother, whose marriage was arranged for her when she was only 15. She fears for her daughter’s life.

This is a passionate thought-provoking play. Iran is one of the most repressive countries in the world, meting out medieval punishments such as amputation of fingers and hands. News coverage has focused mainly on the wearing of the hijab.  So, it’s good that this show highlights the total lack of LGBT rights in the country, and the fact that Iran is one of a handful of countries in the world which harshly punishes same sex sexual activity. Human Rights activists estimate that since 1979 between 4000 and 6000 gay men and lesbians have been executed because of their sexual orientation.

Tara Tedjarati’s acting is good. She eloquently captures the outrage felt by both Parisa and her lovesick friend, Maryam. We see less of Paris’s mother, but her compassion is evident.

Switching between three characters is not easy, and Tedjarati generally does this well. Costume changes help but there could perhaps be clearer vocal and physical differences, too. And as the characters tell their stories, it’s important to look around the whole audience including those sitting at the side.

It is always difficult for an actor to direct herself, and although this show is generally well paced, the gaps between scenes – during which Tedjarati goes offstage to do costume changes – are too long. Moreover, the black curtains at the back of the stage are not wide enough.  Once they are opened, they leave gaps through which we can see the untidy backstage area. Perhaps the costume changes could be made simpler so that they can be done onstage. And music is needed during all the scene changes

Tara Tedjarati is to be congratulated for the immense amount of work she has put into this show. Her efforts have been rewarded with a good production which is well worth watching.

Playing until 24th August, check https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/fire-ignites for details and tickets.

Reviewer: Tom Scott

Reviewed: 3rd August 2024

North West End UK Rating: