Iranian troupe to perform Azerbaijani operetta “Arshin Mal Alan”
Shiftegan-e Del, a large troupe of female performers, will stage “Arshin Mal Alan”, a 1913 comic and romantic operetta by Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov, at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall on Thursday.
Hajibeyov composed the operetta in Saint Petersburg and it was staged on October 25, 1913. The operetta is rich in national characteristics and realism.
The plot is centered on a bachelor called Asker, who wants to see and choose his bride before marriage. His wife quest, however, is difficult because at that time (in the 19th century) based on traditions women were kept at home and when allowed out they were heavily covered in hijab. Asker’s friend Suleyman suggests to him that he disguise himself as a fabric peddler, a sure way to meet women. Asker agrees and starts to go around to the houses selling fabrics.
The operetta will be directed by choreographer Hayedeh Kishipur and singer Shahla Milani will accompany the troupe.