For the first time, the play “The 8th Seen” was performed by a group of young Zoroastrians in California at the Zoroastrian Center of Orange County.
On Friday, March 28, 2025 (Farvardin 9, 1404), at 8:00 PM, the one-hour play “The 8th Seen'”, written by Sanaz Chamanara and Babak Behziz, was staged. Written in the style of magical realism, the play tells the story of the moments just before the Persian New Year, as the Haft Sin table is being prepared. In the narrative, the traditional items of the Haft Sin come to life and notice an unease among them. Each item, upon seeing its own story reflected in the mirror on the Haft Sin table, undergoes a process of self-realization. Once they accept their own existence, they travel back to ancient times, witnessing historical events that reveal how a group of Zoroastrians, guided by the priests of their era, preserved the Eternal Flame and the Nowruz traditions from the threat of extinction, passing them down through the generations.
The play was directed by Shahram Alami, an experienced Iranian theater artist, who also served as the narrator. His direction skillfully guided the performers to create a memorable experience. The performance was accompanied by live music played on tar and tonbak by Farin Sardari, who expertly performed in various traditional Persian musical modes.
The cast, in order of appearance, included Babak Bastani as Sumac, Viana Bastani as Sabzeh (Sprouts), Saina Salamati as Apple, Keyvan Hoor as Senjed (Oleaster), Atoosa Nourafrouz as Garlic, Behnam Bandari as Serkeh (vinegar), Fariba Sardari as Samanu.
The performance received a warm and enthusiastic response from all the attendees.
