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Mirror of the Invisible World
Adapted and Directed by Mary Zimmerman
At the Goodman Theatre
170 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL
Call 312-443-3800, tickets $30 - $40 - $55
Tuesdays at 7:30 pm
Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
Thursdays at 2 & 7:30 pm
Fridays at 8 pm
Saturdays at 2 & 8 pm
Sundays at 2 & 7:30 pm
Running time is 2 hours, 40 minutes with intermission
Through July 29, 2007
Eye-popping spectacle tells seven stories from Persian poet
First mounted at the old Goodman studio theatre in 1997, Mary Zimmerman’s Mirror of the Invisible World is a stunning, visually powerful fable strong on storytelling and rich in thematic significance. Daniel Ostling’s marvelous Moorish styled set featuring elegant arches and hanging lamps with John Culbert’s mood-setting lighting together with Mara Blumenfeld’s smart, period-perfect costumes vividly depicting the seven brides of King Bahram (Faran Tahir).
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Based on Nizami’s epic poem, Haft Peykar (translated as “Seven Beauties,” “Seven Portraits,” or “Seven Princesses,” Mirror of the Invisible World is pure Mary Zimmerman styled theatre. No one uses staging, sets, lighting, and here, live music with puppets and generous use of comic shadow play and dance to set the tone, create the atmosphere necessary for unique storytelling. I’m amazed at Mary Zimmerman’s creativity. Her Mirror is an engaging and sweet Persian fable. The story is an adventure back to 12th Century Middle Eastern mythology.
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Mirror of the Invisible World deals with the nature of romance featuring seven beauties each depicting the culture of their homeland as they woo the king’s love. This is a compelling and often funny fable that has the king falling in love with the portrait of seven new brides as he builds a pavilion of a different color for each woman representing a different planet or clime of the universe. King Bahram visits one princess each night and challenges each to woo him with a mystical story of virtues such as patience, compassion, honesty, goodness and love.
Each night’s story is represented by a distinct color and enhanced by three Chicago musicians underscoring the storytelling with Middle Eastern styled music. Michael Bodeen’s original score with Ronnie Malley, Eve Monzingo and Gary Kalar self-described “sound alchemists” playing a variety of instruments including dulcimer, oud, percussive drums, finger cymbals, tambourines and a gadoulka. The incomparable music added depth to the experience of this special fable.
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This incredible ensemble was adapt at playing sensual princesses and they effectively played a series of men, from kings to thugs to simple-minded fools. Mary Zimmerman likes to use gender bending casting. This talented and versatile cast featured terrific work from all seven. Anjali Bhimani, Atley S. Loughridge, Charletter Specigner, Sofia Jean Gomez, Stacey Yen, Lisa Tejero and Nicole Shalhoub blended sensuality with humor to carry the king’s wishes. This astounding show gives us a glimpses into the culture of 12th century India, Greece, Arabia, Russia, Turkey, China and Persia. These charming tales deliver an epic fable that unfolds as a brilliant spectacle filled with whimsical romantic themes. Zimmerman is a genius director at the top of her art. See this show.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2007
Jeff Recommended
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