Anahita’s Republic

March 17 – April 2 2023, Studio Theatre

Running Time: 90 minutes
Recommended for ages 14+

Written by Hengameh E. Rice
Directed by Brenley Charkow

A world premiere | Presented by Bustle & Beast

Anahita is a woman who refuses to wear the hijab and rules her own republic where she can be free to live, dress, and speak as she pleases. To deal with the world outside of her compound, she controls the family business and the life of her brother Cyrus, whose freedom and happiness are sacrificed for her dreams. One night, on the eve of an important secret meeting between leaders of the women’s movement, a young woman in a chador comes to Anahita’s compound, carrying explosive secrets that might destroy everything Anahita has tried to build.

Anahita’s Republic is a provocative and timely new thriller set in Tehran, where strong, educated, and committed women work under the constant threat of harassment and imprisonment in order to advance their rights and the well-being of their countries.

We would like to acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Masked Performances

The following performances will require all audiences members to be masked while inside the building and for the duration of the performance:

Tuesday March 21 at 7:30PM
Tuesday March 28 at 7:30PM

Masking at Anahita’s Republic

Masks are highly encouraged while attending the performance. We ask that should you be experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms to please get in touch and we will endeavour to do our best to reschedule your tickets.*

*subject to availability

Ticket Pricing

We believe theatre should be accessible to all who wish to participate. Audiences are invited to select the ticket price option that works best for them, and we appreciate and thank you for supporting indie theatre. If price is a barrier, we encourage you to reach out to us at bustleandbeast@gmail.com

Content Warning

Anahita’s Republic contains the following themes: women’s rights, freedom, injustice, family, and power.

This is a play that speaks about human beings. Many strong, educated, and committed women work under the constant threat of harassment and imprisonment to advance their rights and the well-being of their countries. With the current uprising in Iran, so many fearless women and men are using their voices, and many, have sacrificed their lives.

About the Playwright

Hengameh E. Rice

Hengameh E. Rice are a writing team, with Hengameh born in Shiraz, Iran and Rice born in Edmonton, Alberta. Hengameh brings stories full of passion from Iran to the partnership, and Rice brings the experience of thirty years in the arts and communications. Together they create and produce exciting, compelling stories from Iran that illuminate layers of the complex society at the centre of news stories today. Anahita’s Republic is one story among many of the struggle for women’s rights in Iran, a struggle that has been ongoing for generations.