TEHRAN-A loose adaptation of French writer Sebastien Thiery’s play “Ramses II” will go on stage at Tehran's City Theater Complex later this month. 

Reza Gouran is the director of the play, which is based on a translation by prominent translator Shahla Haeri. 

Sahar Dolatshahi, Saeid Changizian, Hadith Miramini and Ali Shademan are the main members of the cast for the play. 

"Ramses II" is a contemporary black comedy that premiered in 2017 at the Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens. Despite its title referencing the famous Egyptian pharaoh, the play is not a historical drama but rather a satirical and absurd exploration of family dynamics and human psychology. 

The story centers around Jean and Elisabeth, who are preparing to welcome their daughter and son-in-law, Benoit and Matthieu, back from a trip to Egypt. However, when Matthieu arrives alone, the couple notices that his wife is missing. Matthieu’s strange behavior and his inability to explain her absence immediately raise suspicions and unease.

The plot quickly transforms into a surreal and unsettling experience, blending elements of reality and fantasy. As the family’s gathering unfolds, secrets are uncovered, and the seemingly unbreakable family façade begins to crack under the weight of hidden truths. The play uses absurd humor and unexpected twists to challenge perceptions of normalcy and delve into darker themes of fear, secrecy, and obsession.

The title’s reference to Ramses II hints at themes of power, immortality, and mystique, which are subtly woven into the narrative’s exploration of family secrets and psychological depths. The original cast featured renowned French actors such as François Berléand, Évelyne Buyle, and Éric Elmosnino, contributing to the play’s critical and audience acclaim.

"Ramses II" is celebrated for its sharp wit, humor, and ability to evoke both laughter and fear, pushing audiences to confront the thin line between reality and illusion. Its success lies in its capacity to entertain while provoking thought about the fragile nature of human relationships and the mysteries that can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.

Sebastien Thiery trained at the Cours Florent and the Conservatoire Superieur d’Art Dramatique in Paris before appearing in films directed by notable filmmakers like Bertrand Tavernier, Gerard Jugnot, and Alain Chabat, as well as in TV films by Josee Dayan and Laurent Heynemann.

At 30, he began writing for the theater, debuting with "Sans ascenseur," directed by Jean-Michel Ribes at the Théâtre du Rond-Point in 2005. He often performs in his own works, including "La Fâche," also at the Rond-Point, and "Dieu habite Düsseldorf" in 2006 at the Théâtre des Mathurins. Thiery has written around 300 episodes for the Canal+ series "Chez maman," where he also acts, alongside his hidden camera project "La Vie de Sebastien Thiery."

In 2007, he returned to theater with "Piggy Bank," which won the Prix Barrière and two Molieres in 2009. His play "Who’s Mr. Schmitt?" premiered in 2009, directed by José Paul. He continued to work in various theater productions, including "Falling from the trees" in 2012 and "L’Origine du Monde" in 2013. His recent works include "Two Stark Naked Men" in 2014, "Momo" in 2015, "Ramses II" and "Eight Euros An Hour" in 2017, and "Demain la revanche" and "Video Club" in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

SAB/