What I liked
Given the heavy dialogue in the piece, I was deeply impressed by how smoothly Sayadi goes from character to character with the simple use of a scarf and chair as his aids.
Also, for someone unfamiliar with Iranian/Persian folklore, I find this piece and it’s primary messages about love conquering hate and light defeating darkness to be universally resonant. Given the current state of affairs in Iran, this piece offers a fascinating starting point into a deeper dialogue about how we (as Americans) can be better allies.
Furthermore, I must comment about the glorious music. For me, it was hypnotic, trance-inducing and absolutely heightened the performance in every way. Not only is Sayadi a fantastic performer, but he composes a deeply moving score.
What I didn't like
My ears were so deeply gratified by the music and I was certainly impressed by the level of acting. Having said this, at times, I ached for a little more visual stimulation to enhance the storytelling. Whether these be in the form of more props, different articles of clothing to use, or even just a few other chairs on stage. Food for thought…
My overall impression
In Shahin Sayadi’s “Ritual Music to Cure a Lover,” storytelling, original music and captivating character work collide in one of this year’s most beautiful solo pieces. Throughout the 60-minutes, Sayadi portrays several characters, showcasing his powerful acting chops. Specifically, he embarks on sharing the Persian mythology of Farhad, his beloved Shirin, and their son. While taking some liberties in creating this work, Sayadi stays true to the source material: an ancient love poem.
