“Andy Warhol in Iran”

[rating=5]I am not “into” Andy Warhol as an artist or a personality, but was very curious as to his statement that “Everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes”. In the play “Andy Warhol in Iran”, we learn a great deal about the man and the artist. Written by Brent Askari and sharply directed by BJ Jones, this 80 some minute story is both comic and serious.

The story takes place in 1976, at a time when Warhol had become the artist of the “rich and famous”. He is in his hotel room ( a solidly designed room by Todd Rosenthal) in Iran. He is there to meet the Shah of Iran and photograph his wife for a formal portrait. At the very onset of the play, Warhol is NOT on the stage. In fact, he enters from the audience section of the theater, stopping to chat with us. In the role of Warhol is Rob Lindley. I have always thought him to be a strong talent, but in his creating Warhol he has far exceeded my expectations. He is amazing. He plays with us, the audience, for a few minutes and then seeing as if he doesn’t go on with the story, people will ask for their money back, states that he hates giving money back, so he will tell the story.

He ha sordered room service and is in awe that caviar is so inexpensive in Iran. When the knock at the door comes, he allows the waiter in, but what is to be a snack before bedtime soon becomes a political move as the server takes out a gun and advised Warhol that he is being held captive as a political move against the Shah. This is the other character in the story. His name is Farhad ( a delightful portrayal by Hamid Dehghani). This is where the fun ( and politics) begins. The two of them have their motives. Warhol to not be kidnapped and held as hostage, or worse, and Farhad to overthrow the Shah and get his life back.

These two men have their goals and we learn a great deal more in the following hour. They talk about the political aspect of Iran and how the citizens have been unfairly treated. Warhol speaks about his life and the problems that he has had. Both men share their scars of life and as the story goes on, they become friendly enemies and then even more.

The play is a trip in political history regarding Iran and that period of time. Both of these men are unique in their goals and political beliefs. They are very different, and yet, very much alike. There is some mystery to this story and I will never divulge the outcome as it must be watched from start to finish for it to truly make sense. This is probably one of the best 81 minutes of theater you can have.

The entire production is flawless. Again, Rosenthal’s hotel suite is one that I would stay at in comfort. Izumi Inaba’s costumes are perfect for the period. The lighting ( Heather Gilbert) and sound (Andre Pluess and Forrest Gregor) and the wigs and makeup (Natalia Castilla) are all right on. Bren Coombs has done an amzing job with the props, of which there are many. In fact, there are several Polaroid cameras on the coffee table ( many of you may not even know what that is/Google it), one even works!

Northlight Theatre is located at 9501 N. Skokie Blvd. in The North Shore Center for Performing Arts

“Andy Warhol in Iran” will continue Thru – Feb 26th, 2023  EXTENDED