By Venus Zarris

Permoveo Productions presents an impressive inaugural show with its world premiere of Haram Iran. Haram is a term for that which is forbidden and in countries like Iran, the list of things considered Haram is long and the punishments are severe.

The production seems to splice my brain in three parts. First, I am compelled by the devastating story, based on actual events. In 2005, two teenage Iranian boys were tried and put to death after being accused of homosexual activities. Ayaz Marhouni and Mahmoud Asgari may or may not have been gay, but to the Iranian legal system the mere possibility of it seemed enough to seal their fates. As we lament over the regional loss of marriage rights in California, it is easy to forget that many parts of the world are still suppressed by the unforgiving, draconian and medieval condemnation of deviant sexual orientation.

Second, I am deeply drawn in by the mostly impressive performances delivered by this captivating cast. Anand Bhatia (Mahmoud) and Matios Simonian (Ayaz) create a believable chemistry and capture the almost childlike innocence of these young men, isolated by the forbidding vacuum of religious oppression. Nawaf Gasem is also convincing as Fareed, friend to Mahmound and accuser of Ayaz. Ayman Samman is menacing as the brutal jailer of the young victims and Jeremy Cohn is solid as Mr. Zadeh, the attorney for the boys. Anita Chandwaney’s remarkable performance of Mrs. Marhoni, mother to Ayaz, elevates the production with transcending scenes of emotional honesty and sincere dramatic depth. In scenes of love, daily routine and great sorrow she creates the truth of human experience with powerful connection and gifted restraint. This is one of the most subtly outstanding performances of the year.

Third, it is amazing how much one performance can contrast the others. The delivery of the judge resembles the interpretations of a young child playing an angry old man in a grade school pageant. It is a testament to the skills and focus of the other actors that they can work around the startling awkwardness.

Haram Iran is an indictment of religious mercilessness, misinterpretation and corruption, and not a condemnation of Islam. Playwright Jay Paul Deratany tells the terrifying story with impressive conviction and passion but his script would be well served by rewriting and editing. Some scenes meander and drag while others are completely captivating. Deratany’s obvious talent and ability simply needs some polish and restraint.

It is no wonder why Director David Zak, Torch Award recipient from the Human Rights Campaign, is drawn to this project. The story is a critical and imperative homage to the young men victimized by archaic intolerance and also to the countless people around the world who suffer unthinkable persecution for their alternative sexual orientations.

Haram Iran is an ambitious production that shines a light on the frightening darkness of primitive thought that is sadly still widespread in our modern world. This is a strong play that tells a vital story.

2 ½ STARS

(”Haram Iran” runs through December 7 at the Athenaeum Theater, 2936 N. Southport. 773-935-6860.)

*Special Note: This story is by no means an isolated one. When researching the death of these boys I found other headlines like; “Gay Iranian denied asylum kills self”, “Nigerian faces stoning for gay sex”, and “Saudi Arabia executes two gay men.”

Playwright Jay Paul Deratany will be donating 25% of the play’s profits to Amnesty International and other charities that are committed to preventing human rights abuses in Iran.  “So when you make your purchase, please remember that a portion of the ticket price will go to help those who are in desperate need of our care, love and support,” says Deratany.

For more information on international organizations supporting and protecting GLBTQ human beings please check out:

International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission - Human Rights For Everyone. Everywhere.

OUTfront! Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Human Rights

Human Rights Watch - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trangender Human Rights

ILGA - International Lesbian and Gay Association

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