Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World… a theatrical investigation into the unsolved murder
Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World is a kaleidoscopic theatrical investigation into the unsolved murder of legendary Iranian singer, Tom Jones-esque showman and sex-symbol, Fereydoun Farrokhzad.
Written, directed and performed by Javaad Alipoor, with Asha Reid and Raam Emami, together with on-stage musician Me-Lee Hay, Things Hidden… is the final part of a trilogy of plays after The Believers Are but Brothers and Rich Kids: A History of Shopping Malls in Tehran – that interrogate how modern technology shapes our political ideas and identities.
Things Hidden… takes a thrilling ride through the rabbit hole of the internet via Wikipedia and murder mystery podcasts to examine a clutch of competing theories about the final days of a charismatic entertainer murdered in exile.
In the mid 1970s Fereydoun Farrokhzad was at the height of his fame.
The much-loved tuxedo-clad showman was a regular fixture on Iranian TV and radio attracting record-breaking audiences of all ages.
Alongside his own successes as a singer Farrokhzad hosted the weekly TV variety show, Mikhak-e Noghrei (Silver Carnation), which helped propel countless performers to stardom.
Forced to flee his homeland after the 1979 revolution, Farrokhzad settled in Germany but continued to perform to his adoring fans from afar selling out vast venues like the Royal Albert Hall.
Though he had frequently challenged taboos and conservatism within Iranian society during his broadcast career in Tehran, in exile Farrokhzad’s position hardened and he became a scathing critic of the regime.
On August 7, 1992, he was found brutally murdered in his small flat in Bonn.
The neighbours said his dogs had been barking for two nights; the German police never solved the case.
Things Hidden… will run at the Battersea Arts Centre in Lavender Hill from November 9 – 26.
Pictured: Javaad Alipoor / Picture: Piers Allardyce
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
