STAND BY ME

In the organizer's words:

"Stand By Me!" - A play about personal struggles and social grievances

- in Farsi // from 18 years

In the winter of 2025, three women in a foreign country intertwine their fates. "Stand By Me!" tells the multi-layered story of these women who struggle with the challenges of their lives in a harsh winter and make unexpected connections with each other.

The play shines a critical light on an unusual law that is prevalent in Europe and North America in service industries such as retail, banking and hospitality: the legal obligation to stand while working. The health consequences of this law are serious, ranging from sciatica and slipped discs to chronic pain and vascular problems that place a significant burden on healthcare systems.

Against this backdrop, the plot unfolds in the fall and winter of 2024/2025 in a European city, where a protest against the "Standing Law" forms the framework for the narrative. At the center are three Iranian women who are each confronted with their own personal struggles and dreams. As they deal with the challenges of their new lives, their stories intertwine to create a powerful narrative of resistance, resilience and hope.

"Stand By Me!" is a thought-provoking play that raises social and health policy issues while telling a touching, human story.

The play was written and directed by Mohammad Rahmanian, a renowned author and director. Hila Sedighi, who is herself part of the ensemble, is responsible for the production.

Actresses:

• Hasti Mohammayi: An experienced actress, known from Iranian cinema, theater and television.
• Mahdieh Mohammadhani: Iranian singer and leader of the music group Shahnava. She has been summoned to court several times for performing in public despite state restrictions.
• Hila Sedighi: Poet, painter, filmmaker and committed social activist. She was arrested in 2009 during the Iranian presidential elections because of her critical poems and social activities.

The play combines art and social criticism and gives the performers a stage to share their stories and experiences with the audience. With "Stand By Me", audiences experience a profound theater experience that addresses current issues such as exile, resilience and the struggle for freedom.

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Tickets at the Box Office: 35 euros