The one-act farce 'Black Comedy' by Peter Shaffer is being performed at the Homé Theatre in Tehran. The production runs for 90 minutes.
Hosseyn Omidi directed the play and also stars alongside Faraz Sarabi, Sudeh Sadaei, Mojdeh Mohammadi, Amirhossein Taheri, Mojtaba Rajabi Memar, Mina Ozarmgin, and Salar Barzegar.
The plot revolves around sculptor Brindley Miller and his fiancée Carol. They host a party to impress Carol's eccentric father, Colonel Melchett, and millionaire George Bamberger, hoping they will purchase some of Brindley's works.
To make their apartment more presentable before the guests arrive, they took furniture from their fussy neighbor, Harold, without permission. Shortly before the guests arrive, the main fuse blows, plunging the apartment into darkness. This is followed by a chaotic episode involving unexpected guests, mistaken identities, and surprises hidden in every dark corner.
The actions unfolding in the darkness are visible only to the audience. The results turn out to be chaotic, catastrophic, and frankly hysterical.
The play was inspired by a stage gag with a lamp that the author saw in Chinese theatre. The production simulates a power outage in a South London apartment, where bright lighting symbolizes complete darkness, and vice versa. When a match is lit, the light dims; flipping the switch causes instant blackness. This concept requires the actors to alternate between moving blindly across the stage and shuffling, as if they cannot see each other, while the audience sees everything.
Sir Peter Shaffer (1926–2016) was an English playwright, screenwriter, and novelist. His most famous works include the plays 'Equus' (1973) and 'Amadeus' (1979), which earned him a Tony Award for Best Play. These works were later adapted by Shaffer for screen in 1977 and 1984, respectively.
He was nominated for an Academy Award for both screenplays, winning it for 'Amadeus,' which also earned him a Golden Globe. Shaffer also received nominations for two BAFTA Awards and the Laurence Olivier Award.
The performance of 'Black Comedy' will run until October 22nd at the Homé Theatre, located at Nofel Loshato Street, Hafez Street, Ziba Dead End.