Peyvand is British, Parisa is Iranian: one woman with two passports and two names. This bold, experimental solo performance explores what it is to be from two opposing states. Mixing dynamic video projections, music and interactivity, the dark and comic performance is based on creator and performer Peyvand Sadeghian’s experiences as a UK-Iran dual national.
The politics within Dual دوگانه (pronounced Dual do-ga-neh) have come into sharp focus since its original iteration at Vault Festival. The performance was staged prior to the “Woman Life Freedom” movement, sparked by the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini in September 2022. As Peyvand says: “Now the question isn’t just what would Parisa be doing there – but what should I be doing here?” Dual دوگانه aims to empower audiences to be advocates for their own causes and be allies for each other.
Dual دوگانه has been developed by a team of multi-nationals including the Iranian diaspora. Some of whom, due to the nature of the work, have chosen to remain anonymous for fear of political repercussions if not for themselves, then their families in Iran.
Dual دوگانه is inspired by Peyvand’s first visit to Iran aged 10 to meet her father’s family. Peyvand and her father were held by the Iranian government. Unable to return to the UK, Peyvand doesn’t understand why she can’t go home and longs for a familiar world of baked beans and London buses.
Peyvand continues: “I got stuck there. It was a very confusing time, and eventually I came home to West Ham, politically aware and had no one to talk to about it. It was one of the most formative experiences of my life. But this show is not a “Poor Peyvand” pity-party. I wanted to share the complex and contradictory feelings around the nationalities I hold – something that I have very little control over, but has shaped my life considerably.
“In trying to piece together this personal history, my father’s voice also features – but our memories are reshaped over time. So I went down the route of “what if”. What if I, Peyvand, had lived out my life in Iran as Parisa?”
Original idea developed as part of Starting Blocks at Camden People’s Theatre (2019). Further development at Barbican Theatre’s Open Lab (2021). Supported by Camden People’s Theatre, HOME Manchester and Pleasance Theatre Trust Ltd.
