Pure, New Venture Theatre, Brighton, until December 6 2003

From the archive, first published Thursday 4th Dec 2003.

There is a fascinating theatrical treat to be found at the New Venture with this one-woman show.

It recounts the events surrounding the life and death of Tahirih, a Persian poet and mystic who heralded a new age of emancipation of women by challenging the religious fundamentalism of 19th Century Persia.

The climax of her challenge was the removal of her veil before a gathering of men, an act that resulted in her death by strangulation.

The writer, Annabel Knight, has clearly researched her subject and cleverly unfolds the tale of this remarkable woman through the mouths her of family, maid and others.

Each of the 15 characters is convincingly brought to life by the mesmerising performance of Shirin Youssefian Mannian who, with a rearrangement of a silk scarf, a change of inflection in the voice or a body posture, manages the many lightning interchanges of roles.

What could have been a heavy evening is lightened by the humour in the writing and by the warm and joyous performance that involves storytelling, mime and song.

The acting is complemented by original music and sound effects that evoke an air of mysticism and desolation.

For tickets, call 01273 746118.

Review by Barrie Jerram, features@theargus.co.uk

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