Bijan Daneshmand talks upcoming stage adaptation of ‘Under The Shadow’: “It is the politics that messes everything up”

Following his rendition in the original film, the actor reunites with Babak Anvari’s critically acclaimed story in the world premiere of its stage adaptation. Guillermo Nazara chats with the performer to learn all the details about this new version and its resonance with the current international political climate.

How does it feel to take part in the first-ever stage adaptation of such an acclaimed film?

I am very excited, because I was in the film, which was made ten years ago. The film was not a remake, so I can say the stage version is also its first ever and not a remake. The challenge, or the question, is: will stage adaptation be as engaging as the acclaimed film? We shall see.

What can you tell us about your characters and what themes are explored through him?

I play a character called Mr Bijari. Themes explored through him are fatalism, the boundary between the rational and the irrational, and the question on whether to leave or stay. Generally, the themes explored in the play resonate in today’s political landscape. Note that the play is set during a specific historical war and is not a response/reaction to current events.

Does the play delve into any topics deeper than its screen counterpart?

The film and the play explore what it means to live in a state of conflict. In that sense, its themes have always been relevant. However, the audience might think that some of the issues addressed are a reaction to the current political climate. We should note that the play was commissioned in 2022 and programmed prior to the current USA/ Israel attacks on Iran.

Are there any other significant differences in comparison to the film?

Not hugely significant differences. It is largely based on the original BAFTA-winning horror film.

What particular challenges have you found in this role?

I feel I have slipped into the role comfortably. That actually worries me! Vulnerability is useful. Let’s see how the play is, and also how I have dealt with my role. There isn’t more I can say at the moment.

As an Iranian actor, how do you feel about the level of representation in the current theatrical offer?

Not a simple question. As an Iranian actor based in London, I feel like not much has been coming in my direction in terms of theatre. I have been fortunate to take part in some very good films and TV productions.

Please don’t mistake this as a ‘victim’ statement, but more like a truthful observation. I have been kind of pigeon holed as an ‘Iranian’. I would welcome just being seen or considered as an ‘actor’, irrespective of my roots. Of course, my roots are and will always be there. It would be great to see more ordinary-life and social stories involving Middle Eastern people rather than so many war/terror films depicting them as the ruthless nasties.

When I was young, nearly half the films I came across were based on the Second World War, and the Germans and Japanese- and later the Russians and the Koreans -were dehumanised, always depicted as horrible people tyring to destroy the world. At the end of the day, 99.9% of human beings want the same simple things in life: a roof over their heads, food on the table, schools, hospitals, and so on.

It is the politics that messes everything up. Having said that, I do not have the solution to make the world and things better other than at an individual level. If I am a good, kind, peace-loving person, then I have done my part.

Why come see ‘Under The Shadow’?

I will quote the Almeida: “Come for a gripping ghost story- a powerful portrait of family, fear, and survival. Set amid 1980’s Tehran during war, Under The Shadow blends psychological suspense with deeply human drama set in an intimate Almeida staging.”

Under The Shadow plays at London’s Almeida Theatre from 2nd June to 4th July. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara