Anahita's Republic

By Hengameh E. Rice. Directed by Brian Dooley. Presented by AuTash Productions.

AuTash Productions brings a story of resistance and struggle to the Edmonton stage in what Intermission Magazine called a “biting and brave new play…the ninety-minute drama packs a mighty punch.” The Toronto Star dubbed Anahita’s Republic “an intriguing new play offering an insider perspective into gender, power and freedom in contemporary Iran.”

Anahita is a woman who refuses to wear the hijab and rules her own republic where she can live, dress, and speak as she pleases. To deal with the world outside of her compound, she controls the family business and the life of her brother Cyrus. One night, on the eve of an important secret meeting between progressive leaders, a young woman in a chador comes to Anahita’s compound, carrying explosive secrets that might destroy everything Anahita has tried to build.

“We glimpse in Anahita’s Republic a world filled with secrecy and betrayal wrapped in an obsessive desire for freedom. It offers up a vision of the unceasing struggle many Iranians feel between love for their country and the sacrifices this love sometimes demands.”
- Brian Dooley, Director

Content warning: Mature subject matter, not suitable for children under the age of 14. This play deals with issues surrounding women’s rights and their suppression. For more information please see www.anahitasrepublic.ca

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AuTash Productions would like to recognize the support of the Edmonton Arts Council, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and the Canada Council for the Arts.

Talkbacks

Talkbacks will be available after the following performances:
May 21, 2023 at 1:30 PM – “Art as Impact or Art as Expression?” (Facebook link https://fb.me/e/1eVQ0StCJ)
May 28, 2023 at 1:30 PM – “Staging Anahita’s Republic”

Pay What You Will Tickets

Pay What You Will tickets are available at every performance.

ASL Interpretation

The performance on May 27, 2023 at 7:30 PM will be ASL interpreted.

Special Performances

May 19th, 7:30 PM: Preview
May 20th, 7:30 PM: Opening Night
May 27th, 1:30 PM: Safe Performance - Masking Required
June 3rd, 1:30 PM: Safe Performance - Masking Required

• Drama
• $44.00 inc $4.00 fee
• 3-June 4, 2023
• 90 minutes
• Fringe Theatre Arts Barns
• Backstage Theatre
• 14A