Dual دوگانه

From the audience

“Powerful stuff.”

“gritty and

real”

“Brilliantly mad”

 “tender”

“Splendidly

silly”

“Energising.”

“Joyful”

“This woman is a true

freedom fighter.”

“fantastic”

“an audio-visual-chanting-dancing

mega-mix.”

“thought provoking “

“Captivating”

“Hilarious”

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL AGIT-PROP.

A cross-medium project of National Identity, Advocacy, and Alliance

DUAL دوگانه [D O G A N E H: D OW - G Â - N E H]

Peyvand is British; Parisa is Iranian. One woman, two passports, two names. DUAL دوگانه traverses the intricate landscape of cultural identity, statehood, and personal history through Sadeghian's lens as a UK-Iran dual national. With its inception before the "Woman - Life - Freedom" movement, this performance has gained even more traction, prompting Peyvand to reflect not just on Parisa's life in Iran but also on her role and responsibilities in the UK.

The Inspiration

Set against the backdrop of Peyvand's transformative childhood visit to Iran with her Father, the show navigates their detention by the Iranian government,  unable to return home to the UK, while confronting a political awakening. This isn't a narrative of pity but a bold, satirical take on the absurdities and contradictions of the officialdom of nationality —factors beyond our control yet profoundly shaping our lives.

Why It Matters

Developed in collaboration with a diverse international team, including the others within Iranian diaspora, DUAL دوگانه exists beyond being a piece of theatre —it's a catalyst for conversation and change. Some collaborators, choosing anonymity for safety, underline the performance's significance against the backdrop of political sensitivities. This work is an invitation  and ts call to action, to be advocates for ourselves and allies for others, echoes louder than ever.

Engage with Us

For programmers seeking bold, engaging, and thought-provoking theatre,  DUAL دوگانه is an unparalleled choice. Its blend of personal narrative with broader political themes offers a unique theatrical experience, promising to leave audiences moved, challenged, and inspired. To bring this remarkable performance to your venue and and start a conversation, contact dual@peyvand.co.uk.

Original idea developed as part of Starting Blocks at Camden People’s Theatre (2019). Further development at Barbican Theatre’s Open Lab (2021). Supported by Camden People’s Theatre, HOME Manchester and Pleasance Theatre Trust Ltd.

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    Instagram: @dual_show

    Linktr.ee: dualshow

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  • ‘Cheekily irreverent and sharply satirical’

    Lyn Gardner, Stagedoor

  • 'Remarkably activating'

    Bechdel Theatre

  • 'A real punk sensibility.'

    The Scotsman

  • ‘There’s clearly boundless artistic vision here’.

    Ought to be Clowns

  • 'Technologically triumphant, enthrallingly interactive and a masterful marriage of humour and poignancy.'

    Musings of Mia

  • ‘She rends traditional dramaturgies into something new, that’s non-linear, episodic and dreamlike.’

    The Play’s The Thing

  • 'Bold, meaty, and ambitious.'

    Jaydar

(c) Ali Wright 2020 : Performer Peyvand Sadeghian on stage with a microphone, gesturing upwards, with dynamic projections in the background.
(c) Ali Wright 2020: Peyvand Sadeghian sat cross legged on stage, illuminated by vibrant, colorful light projections on a reflective floor.
Still of BBC Persian feature showing a Dual flyer at Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Performer Peyvand Sadeghian in an interview with BBC Persian, wearing a yellow 'Sunday's Best' t-shirt and speaking animatedly.
Poster design DUAL دوگانه,' showcasing bold graphics with the title in yellow on a stark pink background, accompanied by images of the performer Peyvand Sadeghian.
(c) Ali Wright 2020: Peyvand Sadeghian performing in DUAL دوگانه, in an expressive gesture of standing upright, twisting torso to the side whilst bringing both hands to one hip. Against a backdrop of digital projections
(c) Ali Wright 2020 : Performer Peyvand Sadeghian stands contemplatively with a digital projection backdrop, creating a vivid silhouette against the colorful abstract imagery.
(c) Ali Wright 2020: Performer standing on stage with graphic projections, looking thoughtfully into the distance.
(c) Ali Wright 2020: Peyvand Sadeghian on stage in a poignant moment illuminated by colorful stage lighting that casts a dramatic shadow.
Stack of limited edition chapbooks with golden text on a dark background, fanned out
Logo . A vibrant pink square graphic with a circular black outline in the centre. Inside the circle, a stylised black icon with a bob haircut squinted eyes and open mouth. Underneath, "DUAL" written in bold uppercase letters, with the Persian transla
(c) Ali Wright 2020: Performer seated cross legged on stage mid shaking head side to side rapidly, amidst soft lighting and ethereal projections.
(c) Ali Wright 2020: Performer on stage in mid-shout, with a dynamic, textured backdrop behind them.
(c) Ali Wright 2020: Performer on stage with a raised fist, emotive expression, against a backdrop of digital projections.
(c) Ali Wright 2020
(c) Ali Wright 2020: Performer in a dark grey dress with abstract colourful digital projections in the background.
(c) Jose Farinha 2019: Performer using two glove puppets, one green and one blue, modelled as versions of themselves.
(c) Ali Wright 2020: Performer stood mid-rapid head shaking with vibrant background lighting
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