This powerful evocation of the ancient Persian mythological tale of Fereydoun and Zahhak skillfully blends the timeless story from the Shahnameh with the contemporary struggle for freedom in Iran. Through this fusion of ancient mythology and modern resistance, the performance aims to inspire and engage audiences around the world by shedding light on the universal pursuit of justice and equality.The story of Zahhak and Fereydoun originates from the depths of Persian mythology, specifically from the Shahnameh (“The Book of Kings”), a monumental work by the poet Ferdowsi, written around the 10th century, a timeless narrative where moral and political questions echo across the centuries. The episode of Zahhak’s downfall and Fereydoun’s rise is fundamentally a mythological tale, but it carries with it universal themes deeply rooted in Persian culture and history: relentless tyranny, the triumph of justice, and the legitimacy of power.Zahhak is a legendary figure, both dark and terrifying. He is depicted as a formidable tyrant, marked by a monstrosity that is both physical and moral: terrifying serpents grow from his shoulders, demanding to be fed with the brains of young men. This gruesome detail symbolizes not only his extreme cruelty but also the insatiable and dehumanizing oppression he imposes on his people. Zahhak’s reign, the embodiment of absolute tyranny, represents the peak of destructive power, where authority is wielded through violence and fear, and where freedom and life are sacrificed to an endless cycle of destruction.

In contrast, Fereydoun stands as the archetypal liberator hero, the champion of justice and the people. In a world engulfed by the despotism of Zahhak, Fereydoun embodies the hope for renewal. Supported by the will of the oppressed, he rises against the tyrant.
His victory over Zahhak marks not just the end of a reign of terror but the beginning of a new order founded on justice, peace, and prosperity. Fereydoun’s reign is seen as a golden age, where balance and harmony are restored.