Leili & Majnun

A dynamic staging of Nizami's Leili & Majnun featuring an ensemble of Middle Eastern-American actors, singers and musicians. December 5-15, 2024 at Central Stage, Richmond, CA

As told in the 12th-century in Persian by master poet, Nizami Ganjavi, this ancient Arab fable revolves around the title characters who meet as children in school and fall in love. Leili’s family’s will not allow their union, which drives Majnun mad (Majnun literally means ‘mad’ in Arabic). Unexpected from a woman at that time, Leili resists her family and society’s expectations, and finds a way to be with Majnun — albeit briefly and with tragic results. Leili & Majnun might be known as a tragedy and Majnun as the ultimate tragic hero, yet in Leili, Nizami has created a female Arab character that is educated, smart, a skilled poet, and an articulate adult that exercises agency and stands her ground. Yeghiazarian centers Leili as the leading character, attempts to shed more light on Leili’s dramatic point of view.

The cast features Adrienne Shamszad, Ameen Safi, Behzad Golemohammadi, Brandon Di Paola, Dina Zarif, Roeen Nooran, Yasaman Asgari.

Musicians include Sara Saberi (oud), Naima Shalhoub (piano)

Tickets available at CentralStage.org