Written and Directed by: Iman Zeinali
Supervisor: Naghme Samini
Institution/Venue: Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
This project developed a narrative centered on a couple who must meet again after their breakup, under the pressure of performing a musical concert together. The piece uses their shared rehearsal setting as a framework to revisit past memories, clarify separation motives, and expose how personal histories continue to shape the present.
A key focus of the work is the representation of women’s rights as a central social concern—particularly the right of women to access and present musical performance on stage in an Iranian context. The project frames these issues through character-driven storytelling and performance dynamics.
In addition, I directed the play reading of The Duet at Tehran University, applying the technical reading approach outlined in David Ball’s manual for staging and play reading processes in relation to When the Levee Breaks. This included organizing the reading structure, guiding interpretation, and supporting performers to realize the work’s dramatic intentions.