Mikael Shahrestani to Iran Theater:
The director is the secondary creator of the work
Iran Theater-Akbar Radi’s "The Glorious Smile of Mr. Gil" is a historical chronicle of the decline of a feudal family in the 1960s and 1970s, which Mikael Shahrestani brought on stage at the Sangelaj Theater with a clear understanding of the coordinates of Akbar Radi's point of view.
In the 90’s and 2000’s, Mikael Shahrestani gained experienced. He collaborated with theatrical greats such as Dr. Qutbuddin Sadeghi in plays such as "Sahouri", "Partners in crime" and "Moyeh Jam".
He explained about the choosing "The Glorious Smile of Mr. Gil" by Akbar Radi:” Part of it has to do with the characteristics of the play and part of it to the conditions of the group that I prepared. The play is about a family challenges which They are falling apart as the head of the family is sick and dying and no longer has a role in running the affairs, and the children are fighting over a house (which in Rady's concept is the motherland) and each is waiting for a share of the inheritance.”
He added:” I think director is the secondary creator of the show and he should also search for and include his views in the play, with signs and symbols that illuminate his thoughts and interests. I had met the late Akbar Radi for some works fortunately and after his death I would be in touch with his family and Mrs Angha (Radi’s wife) and this cooperation would not be cut off.”
He talks about working during the coronavirus pandemic: It was very hard. Of course, more than 14 members of the group, including myself, contracted Covid-19, which made it very difficult and exhausting to continue working. The protocols is very strict and observed, which fortunately no one becomes sick after that. I hope no one is involved until the end of the performances.”