Cast Is Free to Act, New Generation’s Sensibility Seen

“The Kitchen” by Arnold Wesker, depicts a kitchen and those who are working in a big restaurant. Wesker depicts the dirty environment of the working class. It is not a pessimistic picture rather a real one.

Mohammad-Hassan Majouni has taken the play on stage now. He has highlighted the daily grind, violence and prejudice, which is epidemic in today’s societies. Majouni’s kitchen is influenced by them too.

Majouni talks about his show more. Excerpts follow;

Given the numerous characters in “The Kitchen” and the problems of managing and controlling the cast, why did you direct this play?

I have been interested in this play for a long time. Many of my students would like to work on a play and the multi-character Wesker play gives me such opportunity to tap their potential and positive energy. The first time I read the play, I did not like it much. Now, I think I like its acts. I did not like the second act when the characters argue about their nationalities at all. I told myself that is a challenge with myself. This is among plays which needs a hell of work. So, I decided that the play needed fastidious dramaturgy. Consequently, it took six months to rehearse and adapt the play, which is a bit long.  

You work with professional troupes and friends in Liv Theater Troupe. But you work with the youth sometimes and stage plays whose cast are young like this one. Do you have any strategy or special approach?

Dramaturgy is mainly influenced by actors. Actor uses his experiences and tenderness to act. This generation is different from the previous one. The new generation has its own sensibilities, look into the character differently and interpret the play different from those of the older generations. Young actors add something new to the show based on their understanding. I do not deal solely with young energies but a collection of new sensibilities. My ideal has always been a group dramaturgy because it involves individuals in a group show… As an actor, I do not like someone to give me an idea and I perform it because I think I am part of the whole scenario and understand the whole process. I do not want to turn into a performing medium. I believe director must talk with the cast. I do not think anybody will give such a freedom that I gave to my cast to find themselves will be given to them elsewhere.