INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
celebrated director Hamid Samandarian, who also staged the play several times between 1972 and 2008.The play is a darkly satirical play that
explores themes of vengeance, morality, and the corrupting influence of money
Zachanassian, a former resident
The townspeople hope her fortune will revitalize their struggling community
Alfred Ill, the town's store owner and Claire's former lover, is tasked with persuading her to contribute to the town.Upon Claire's arrival,
However, her generosity comes with a sinister condition: she demands the death of Alfred Ill, who had previously betrayed her during a
paternity suit that led to her social disgrace and exile
The revelation leaves the townspeople aghast, initially appalled at the idea of murder.As the story progresses, the townspeople's morals
begin to erode under the weight of Claire's offer
He seeks help from the local authorities and the priest, only to find that they, too, have financially succumbed to Claire's influence
The townspeople encourage Alfred to remain, pretending nothing is wrong while secretly plotting against him.Despite his initial desire to
escape, Alfred decides against fleeing after witnessing the community's increasing complicity in their moral decay
They choose wealth over principles, locking the doors and dimming the lights
In a harrowing twist, they forcibly kill Alfred, this act of violence framed as a tragic necessity
Even in death, Alfred's demise is misrepresented to the press as an accidental heart attack
The play serves as a powerful commentary on human ethics, the price of greed, and the dark side of social dynamics when faced with financial
desperation.Durrenmatt (1921-1990) was a Swiss author and dramatist
He was a proponent of epic theater whose plays reflected the recent experiences of World War II
writer Bertolt Brecht, Durrenmatt explored the dramatic possibilities of epic theater
His technique was clearly influenced by Brecht, as in the use of parables and of actors who step out of their roles to act as narrators
attempts to escape from the tragic fate inherent in the human condition.SAB/
