The puppet show 'Cherry Tree,' directed by Sharareh Tayyar, is currently running at the Mehran Theatre Artistic Bureau in Tehran. The performance employs an allegorical and indirect approach, exploring themes of freedom and resilience in the face of oppression through a visual and narrative language adapted for children and adolescents.
The script is based on a story from the book 'Why? Why? Why?' by the French author and children's book illustrator Claire Jobert. The original book is a retelling of the life of Imam Hussein (AS) and the events of Ashura; similarly, the play uses symbolic storytelling to convey core moral and spiritual values to a young audience.
The plot centers around a beautiful tree that serves as a refuge for various birds. The world is disrupted by the appearance of a mischievous woodpecker, causing widespread anxiety among the inhabitants. However, with the arrival of a nightingale, the birds find the inspiration and unity needed to resist the woodpecker's tyranny.
The production, which previously received significant acclaim, was recreated upon the request of the Omid Theatre House. The play was written by Sharareh Tayyar and Mohammad Hossein Habibi. The creative team includes Fahime Barouti, Amir Hossein Ensafi, Sharareh Tayyar, and Amir Mohammad Ensafi as puppet designers. Ammar Tafti serves as the narrator, and Paria Tayyar provides the voiceover.
Ashura refers to the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, and commemorates one of the most important events in Islamic history—the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In 680 CE, Imam Hussein led a small group of family members and companions against the vast army of Yazid I, the Umayyad Caliph, on the plains of Karbala in modern-day Iraq. This conflict was not merely a political struggle for power but a profound moral stance against tyranny and injustice.
Despite the numerical superiority of his opponents and the denial of water for several days, Imam Hussein and his followers steadfastly adhered to their principles until his martyrdom. The legacy of Ashura transcends time and geography, serving as a universal symbol of the struggle between truth and falsehood. For millions worldwide, Imam Hussein is revered as the 'Prince of Martyrs' and an eternal icon of courage, self-sacrifice, and integrity.
His refusal to swear allegiance to a corrupt ruler, even at the cost of his own life and the lives of his loved ones, continues to inspire movements for liberation and human rights. Today, Ashura is observed with mourning rituals, processions, and reflections on the enduring victory of the oppressed over the oppressors. The play 'Cherry Tree' will run until August 7th.
The series 'Uzak Şehir' continues to expand its cast ahead of the highly anticipated third season, officially welcoming actor Onur Ozaydın. According to Turkish entertainment sources, Ozaydın will play Enver, a character expected to bring a significant plot twist by appearing in episode 64.
'Uzak Şehir,' a drama that has become a record-holder on Kanal D, is produced by AyNA Yapım. The series has become one of the most successful television dramas in Turkey since its launch. After concluding the second season with episode 63, filming for the third season is scheduled for late August.
One of the main questions surrounding the new season was the identity of the actor chosen for the role of Enver. Turkish media confirmed that this role goes to Onur Ozaydın, an experienced actor known for his work in projects such as Savaşçı (Warrior), Kardeşlerim, Yargı, and Yasak Elma.
Enver is presented as Ali's first lover, who resumes a relationship with the character played by Sinem Ünsal years after their breakup. According to Turkish entertainment sources, Enver is a stylish restaurant owner living in Budapest. He is characterized as an intuitive, cultured, elegant, confident, and charismatic man whose unexpected return is intended to create emotional tension and introduce new dynamics into Ali's story.
The film crew is also preparing for an international shooting schedule. It is reported that scenes featuring Enver will be filmed in Budapest, Hungary, with local shoots planned between August 16 and 20. These foreign shoots will be another important stage of production for 'Uzak Şehir,' which was primarily shot in the Midyat district of Mardin province, where the story of the fictional Albor family unfolds.
Since its premiere in 2024, 'Uzak Şehir' has consistently ranked among the highest-rated television series in Turkey. The series, based on the Lebanese drama Al Hayba, tells the story of Aliya Albor who returns from Canada to Mardin with her son after her husband's death, encountering the traditions and long-standing conflicts of the powerful Albor family. The emotional bond between Aliya and Cihan Albor, played by Ozan Akbaba, has been one of the defining lines of the drama.
Enver's appearance is set to introduce a new emotional conflict as Aliya's past resurfaces, potentially affecting the balance of the relationship that viewers have followed over the previous two seasons. Although producers have not yet disclosed details of his storyline, the addition of Onur Ozaydın has already generated significant excitement among fans awaiting the series' return.
The powerful sound of the four-cylinder turbo engine broke the silence of the night in the quadrant. The Agent noticed that his new vehicle only had four cylinders, recalling a previous pursuit involving a six-cylinder Porsche 930, a configuration that many enthusiasts idealize.
Despite this, the Agent shows respect for the Italian engineering applied to the engine, crediting Aurelio Lampredi and the team responsible for the chassis tuning and the Viscodrive concept. The Coupe proved excellent navigating the narrow exhaust tunnels. However, the purpose of the trip was not leisure; the Agent urgently needed to reach the hideout of the individuals referred to as 'desert rats' to eliminate them.
After completing this mission, he planned to return the Coupe to Val and look for Charlie and his group, then return to White City to resume his work routine, which would please his father, whose influence he suspected had facilitated the events. While driving, the Agent focused on the road, ignoring internal thoughts.
Elsewhere, on the eighty-eighth floor of White City, Marcus, Director of Lithium Scraps Logistics and Closed-Loop Research, observed the metropolis as a perfect model. Beside him, the Commissioner questioned him about the Division's report for the regional block at six in the morning.
Marcus explained that the central communication had prepared the report, following a unified protocol with other citadels. He highlighted that the new autonomous fleet allowed for expanding the lithium effluent disposal area without disturbing unmapped zones, as the previous method of containment by human patrol was expensive and inefficient.
When asked about the Council press reaction regarding the costs of uniform replacement, Marcus stated that the Closed-Loop narrative was perfect. He declared that they would announce a completely clean and error-free patrol technology, guaranteeing citizens punctual transport and safe streets, without them worrying about synthetic chemistry or clothing logistics.
Marcus then asked the Commissioner about the 404 vehicle. The Commissioner confirmed that the digital key had been returned and the vehicle deregistered since midnight. Furthermore, the dispatch transferring Marcus's son to bureaucratic supervision at Level Three was already signed. Marcus expressed paternal relief, considering that Level Three offered superior safety and standard of living compared to the risk of working with scrap.
Later, at 2:56 AM, a Crown Vic parked in a warehouse was disturbed by Charlie's desperate screams. The young man was kneeling before a giant safe, trying to start a V8 engine that refused to run. The atmosphere was heavy, with smells of mineral oil and sweat. Charlie worked exhausted, knowing he was alone, as Colin and others had already left.
While trying to restart the engine, a static crackle interrupted Charlie's work. Suddenly, the roar of a four-cylinder engine started echoing from a distant exhaust gallery. Driven by instinct, Charlie turned off the holographic camouflage and saw the yellow headlights of a Fiat invade the warehouse. He recognized the Coupe.
The Agent jumped out of the Coupe, grabbed Charlie, and forced him into the vehicle. Charlie resisted, claiming he had spent three years assembling that engine. The Agent, without ceremony, entered the driver's seat, and the Coupe shot away, leaving the Crown Victoria behind.
Upon reaching 03:00 AM, as the Coupe ascended a gravel area, a silent, bluish beam of light appeared in the sky. An interception drone hit the zinc roof of the warehouse, and the explosion of the V8 engine caused the shockwave to hit the Fiat. Charlie froze, watching his three years of work turn into a crater.
Inside the Coupe, Charlie confronted the Agent, asking where he was being taken. The Agent clarified that he was not arresting him, but rather getting him off the drone route. When pressed, Charlie revealed that Colin intended to gather the group in the recess of Hidden Valley, waiting for police activity to decrease to begin the escape.
For enthusiasts of the Xbox universe, this is an opportune moment to update your game collection. A selection of titles available on Amazon has been gathered, suitable for both Xbox One and Xbox Series X, offering good purchasing conditions.
Among the highlights is Halo Infinite, which offers the return of Master Chief with an open-world campaign, improved graphics, and a acclaimed free multiplayer mode. This physical edition includes an exclusive deck, making it perfect for collectors and franchise admirers, and works on both consoles.
Another notable title is The LEGO Movie Videogame, based on the animated film. Released in 2014, it brings the vibrant and comical universe of the movie into an adventure and platform format, recommended for family or children's gaming due to its fun levels and iconic characters.
For fans of cooperative action, Back 4 Blood, developed by the same creators as Left 4 Dead, provides an intense first-person shooting experience against hordes of zombies. This game features a card system to customize each session, online modes for up to four players, and an adrenaline-filled campaign, making it ideal for those who enjoy survival shooters with friends.
Due to the limited stock of physical games, it is recommended to check the current prices and conditions on Amazon through the provided links to secure your preferred title before it sells out.
