A decade on the run: Explore this 10-year-old theatre production that still holds relevance

Faezeh Jalali’s work takes its title from the ominous day of Reyhaneh Jabbari’s life-changing incident

Sometimes when you live so long with a story, it is easy to forget the time that has passed. "It actually began in 2014-15 when a friend of mine came to me with Reyhaneh's [Jabbari] published letters," shares director Faezeh Jalali. Jabbari was a 19-year-old Iranian woman whose trial against sexual abuse in Iran became the subject of films, novels, and art. Dario Fo dedicated a canvas to her. For Jalali, it resulted in the creation of 07/07/07 that won the META award for Best Ensemble back in 2016.

(From left) Abhishek Saha, Junaid Khan and Devika Shahani during a rehearsal of Strictly Unconventional. Pics Courtesy/Faezeh Jalali

Jabbari's story is one of heartbreaking trauma, yet familiar and resonant. Jabbari was accused of killing an Iranian officer of state in self-defence when he tried to take advantage of her. After 10 years, the story carries resonance for women across the world even today. "There have been times when I have thought we should close the play and move on, but the actors and often cast members would step in to say ‘No, there is something more to be said'. It is the specificity that makes her story universal," shares Jalali. Every new incident and report in the news only supports this claim.

It took the team over six months to scour through seven years of letters by Jabbari. "We had to pour through correspondence [that was available online, since her story was widely covered], on Facebook and other social media resources, to understand how to approach her voice.

The ensemble performance was first staged in November 2015

We worked for a long time before choosing what to keep in and what to leave out, even reaching out to her mother in Iran," she shares. Over the last decade, actors have come and gone. "The play is a structured and choreographed performance. With time, the production has evolved on its own, with some parts of it tightening while others slowly falling away. The thing about a choreographed piece is that there is a familiar rhythm to it, that makes it easier for any actor stepping in to take it up," adds the director.

A moment from the play 07/07/07

Yet, it is the social context that gives the performance power and effect. This week, Jalali will ring in the 10th year of the productions with a three-day run. "We also have Runaway Brides and Strictly Unconventional being staged," she shares. All of these stories are non-conformist, to say the least. Runaway Brides is based on a news report where a bride's father and groom's mother eloped.

Faezeh Jalali

Why these three? "Well, to be honest, we only had the actors for these three," the director laughs. Honest as the statement is, it also reflects the challenges of theatre. "It is not just about the actors on stage. It is about lights, production, and availability of facilities. It is complex logistics," she adds. The passing of time only adds more complexity and depth to each production. "For instance, in Strictly Unconventional, the conversations around the subject of gender identity and relationships are evolving rather rapidly. There is a new vocabulary, new way of saying things. Those are the things we keep in mind. Otherwise, the issues of society, religion, and the freedom of women has been a continued one. That's why we can return to these productions without feeling jaded," she concludes.

ON Tomorrow, 6.30 pm and 9 pm; July 30, 6 pm and 9 pm; July 31, 6 pm and 9 pm
AT Prithvi Theatre, Juhu Church Road, Juhu.
LOG ON TO prithvitheatre.org
ENTRY Rs 200; Rs 500 onwards