Reformulation of the Ideals of Heroism in Bahram Beyzaie’s Dramatic Worlds

In this talk, Saeed Talajooy first introduces his recent edited volume on Bahram Beyzaie and then briefly discusses his two chapters in the book, which analyse Beyzaie’s reformulation of the ideals of heroism in Ārash and So Dies Pahlevān Akbar.

In his analysis of Ārash, after examining the origins of the myth of Ārash, he demonstrates how  Beyzaie’s play creates a new form that stands between naqqāli and ta‘ziyeh while commenting on citizenship, leadership, marginalization, and heroism.

In his analysis of So Dies Pahlevān Akbar, Talajooy argues that the play introduced a new conception of heroism and initiated a new interest in the Iranian chivalry cult, Āyin-e Javānmardi, and its ideal heroes, Pahlevān and Ayyār, as a tragic figure in contrast with the streetwise tough guys who had become central to Iranian cinema from 1958. After reviewing the ideals of Javānmardi, Talajooy reflects on how Beyzaie’s selfless hero is a victim of marginalisation, who cannot survive the machinations of a modern society.