Zürcher Theater Spektakel

Two cultures, two tyrants, two freedom fighters ‒ Gessler’s hat on a pole, Kaveh’s blacksmith’s apron on a spear: symbols of oppression, revolt and freedom. The similarities between Switzerland’s and Iran’s liberation myths are astounding. Commissioned by the Tellspiele Altdorf on the occasion of its 500th anniversary, Zurich company Mass & Fieber and the Iranian troupe Don Quixote have developed an intriguing project ‒ myth trading. Both companies have intensely studied each other’s folk heroes and have elaborated a version for the stage. «The foreign shall enchant the audience», Mass & Fieber writes, «and the familiar come across as foreign so we can experience our own culture through another’s perspective.» (kdi)