Performance of 'All Those We Know' Directed by Niloufar Bayzai; A Work Centered on the 'Women, Life, Freedom' Movement in Iran

The performance of 'All Those We Know' in Frankfurt, Germany received positive reactions from the audience. This work, centered on the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement in Iran, is written by Roshanak Moradi and directed by Niloufar Bayzai. The cast includes Bahar Babayi, Maliheh Babayi, Mona Akrami, and Marmar Tajik, with music composed by Mohammad Reza Jadidi. The story revolves around a mother living with her three daughters in a house in Tehran. Amid the ongoing 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests in Iran and the government's internet shutdown, the mother is worried about her two daughters who have not yet returned home. In an interview with the Persian section of Voice of America, Niloufar Bayzai provided insights about this work. She explained her motivation for addressing such topics in her plays, emphasizing her consistent response to current political and social issues. Last year, she staged another play titled 'From the Unmarked Stones to Mahsa, Daughter of Iran,' which dealt with the recent movement and its external ramifications. In this new play, she explores the movement from a different angle, focusing on the homes of the youth who took to the streets and the familial dynamics at play. The mother's concern reflects the family's belonging to the gray area of society, which is neither fully supportive of the current conditions nor willing to act for change. The play delves into the emotional contradictions and the environment in which these brave young people have grown up, addressing the societal contradictions under pressure. The text was written by a young playwright, Roshanak Moradi, at Bayzai's suggestion. Initially, the cast was different, but due to unforeseen circumstances, a new team was quickly assembled. The performances in Frankfurt were well-received, particularly with a notable increase in German audience attendance compared to previous works. Following two successful performances, 'All Those We Know' will be staged again on November 18 in Frankfurt and on December 9 at the Cologne Theater Festival.