Nola Chilton’s adaptation of Azar Nafisi’s memoir Reading Lolita in Tehran (2003), performed by students in her acting workshop, and directed by Chilton, is a moving production that strikes a chord of recognition.
The connection is made explicit as each actress enters the space, introduces herself and the character she portrays, discussing her relationship to the role and its relevance to her own life. Hadas Sher who plays Yassi, began by stressing a common bond with the young woman she portrays – their dreams. The difference between them is that Yassi knows that her dreams will not come true, yet continues to dream, for, as Sher said, “If she gives up her dreams she has nothing to live for.”
A professor and her women students talking about a book, talking about life – Chilton’s workshop with the students and the subject of their play reflect one another, inviting the audience to draw parallels between the black robed women living and dreaming in an oppressive regime and their own surroundings. Cheli Gerby, who played the role of Mashid, the more religious, conservative student, commented on all the times she looks at things happening in Israel and says, “Well, that’s just the way things are…and I don’t do anything about it.”
As each one finished speaking, she enveloped herself in the black robe, the chador. In the small room at the university, a typical “black box,” the robed women almost literally disappear. What begins as a discussion of literature, with the Professor asking “why read books,” develops into a shared experience between teacher and students of reflecting on self and society, sharing secrets and supporting one another, searching for a way to survive. After all, isn’t that why we read books?
The play will also be performed tomorrow, at 19:30 in Room 121 of the Mexico Building, Tel Aviv University. Entrance is from Gate 8. Reservations can be made by writing to the.lollita.project@gmail.com. Although the invitation says that one needs to reserve 24 hours in advance – try your luck, it’s worth it.
Reading Lolita in Tehran
Adapted and directed by Prof. Nola Chilton
Production: Limor Avivi
Set and costume design: Miriam Grotsky
Lighting: Matan Preminger
Performers: Sharon Burshstein – Azin, Meytal Ben Yehuda Edri – Nassrin, Zohar Ginzburg – Manna, Cheli Gerby – Mashid, Yafit Levi – Azar Nafisi, May Shavit – Sanaz, Hadas Sher – Yassi
