Oliver Twist musical returns to Tehran stage
The musical Oliver Twist premiered on Wednesday at the Tennis Stadium of Tehran’s Enqelab Sports Complex, marking the first performance of its new production run. Ticket sales for additional dates have already opened.
Originally staged in 2017 at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall with a different cast, the new version remains faithful to the original script and structure while introducing minor revisions to the dialogue and several songs. According to the production team, these updates highlight social concerns, inequality, and the harsh realities of human life.
Directed by Hossein Parsaei and produced by Jalil Kia, the large-scale musical features prominent Iranian actors Hootan Shakiba, Behnoush Tabatabaei, Banipal Shoomoon, Amir-Kaveh Ahaninjan, with Siamak Ansari and Kazem Sayahi in leading roles.
Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, the production incorporates Lionel Bart’s original musical compositions, dramaturgy by Mohammadreza Kouhestani, and the creative collaboration of theatre and music professionals.
Young performers Rayan Sarlak, Parham Gholamloo, and Arsham Jahanpanah share the roles of Dodger and Oliver in the Tehran revival, which showcases a striking new artistic design distinct from its 2017 staging.