Draft:Axis of Coordinates

Axis of Coordinates is a post-modern Iranian drama written by Farid Novin. First published in 1972 by the Tehran-based publishing house Nemooneh, the play is characterized by its avant-garde style and thematic complexity. The translation of the play was completed by Zhila Navaran at Tehran's Faculty of Translation.. ·

Plot and main characters

The narrative of Axis of Coordinates unfolds in a surreal space, centered on the moment of the protagonist's death. The character "Old Leila" serves as the focal point, as she passes away in the presence of her nephew, Farrhad. This tableau sets the stage for an exploration of existential themes.

The play features a stage design that incorporates metatheatrical elements, including a window facing the audience and an adjoining ladder. This design acts as a portal through which additional characters enter, blurring the lines between reality and the afterlife.

Among the characters is "Young Leila," who serves as a temporal counterpart to the dying protagonist. A violinist claiming a mythological identity also appears, professing to be Marsyas, a figure from Ovid's Metamorphoses. This character recalls the classical story of a musical contest between Marsyas and Apollo. In the myth, despite Marsyas' exceptional skill, he faces dire consequences after challenging the god of music, leading to his punishment.

The play also features contrasting characters such as Mary Magdalene, who is depicted as a penitent disciple of Jesus, and Oholibah, a figure from the Book of Ezekiel, who embodies a more transgressive lifestyle associated with Babylonian and Chaldean influences.

Themes and Analysis

Axis of Coordinates moves beyond traditional storytelling, offering a commentary on the human condition through its nonlinear structure and mythological allusions. The convergence of biblical and mythological figures studies a multifaceted exploration of human experiences and beliefs across various cultural and historical contexts.

The play addresses themes of mortality, redemption, and the cyclical nature of human experience. By juxtaposing characters from different times and narratives, it challenges audiences to find connections between seemingly disparate stories. This thematic interplay invites contemplation on the nature of existence, the passage of time, and the conflict between human ambition and divine authority.

Through its surreal setting and diverse cast of characters, Axis of Coordinates serves as a platform for examining the universal aspects of the human experience, ultimately engaging audiences in a dialogue about the complexities of life, death, and the intertwining of myth and reality.