MOUNT FOREST – International performing troupe Motus O dance theatre, in conjunction with Mount Forest United Church, will present a unique performance of Prisoner of Tehran at Mount Forest United Church on Sept. 10 at 7:30pm.
This production is a synthesis of dance, theatre and storytelling based on a memoir by Marina Nemat, who, after the Islamic Revolution in Iran, was arrested at the age of 16 for protesting government policies and spent more than two years in Evin Prison.
Isolated, tortured and under a constant threat of execution, Nemat was eventually released and immigrated to Canada.
Nemat’s memoir of her life in Iran, Prisoner of Tehran, was published in Canada by Penguin Canada in 2007, has been published in 28 other countries and is an international bestseller.
In 2007 Nemat received the inaugural Human Dignity Award from the European Parliament, and in 2008, she received the prestigious Grinzane Prize in Italy.
Nemat is a respected speaker, writer and activist on the topics of torture and human rights.
Jack Langenhuizen, co-artistic director of Motus O, believes that this moving adaptation of Prisoner of Tehran should be seen in every town in Canada, “as it is incredibly relevant to the current pulse of our times – acceptance of one another, hope in the midst of despair, triumph in the midst of adversity.”
In fact, the performance “inspires one to take a stance against social injustice and persecution, but doesn’t invite anger but rather forgiveness.
“One truly leaves the show inspired to do good.”
Mount Forest United Church is honoured to be partnering with Motus O, a renowned international performing troupe that has recently made their home near Mount Forest, to bring this production to the area.
Motus O’s works range from balletic to opera, to high-energy street performances.
Lithe, innovative and physically risky, they have been commissioned by such groups as the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Pan Am games and have received awards as Touring Artist of the Year from several provinces.
Prisoner of Tehran is just one of the many socially relevant and visually unique performances that Motus O have created over a long and varied career.
The role of Marina Nemat will be played by Motus O choreographer and co-artistic director Cynthia Croker.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Mount Forest Main street businesses M&M Food Market and Walsh’s IDA, or at the door.
They can also be reserved by calling 519-323-2105.
The performance is recommended for audience members aged 14 and up.
