'King Lear' in Iran draws in young audiences

An Iranian director is breathing new life into Shakespeare's 'King Lear' in Tehran

- Agencies

In Iran, artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians and playwrights must walk a tightrope to avoid censorship of content the authorities deem inappropriate. But despite political tensions between Tehran and the West, many international works still make it to the Iranian stage.

Now well-known actress Elika Abdolrazzaghi has taken on the challenge of reimagining King Lear for a contemporary audience. "If I had staged the original version, it would have been too heavy for people—they would have been bored," the 45-year-old told AFP.

To inject energy into the performance, Abdolrazzaghi has incorporated music from British rock band Muse and German industrial metal group Rammstein. Vivid costumes and sparkling lights lend the production a festive atmosphere, despite the play's dark core.