Shadow puppetry, animation and a fearless heroine bring the Persian epic Shahnameh to life for Pasadena audiences

Hamid Rahmanian’s “Song of the North” brings the epic world of the Persian Shahnameh to Pasadena in a visually rich, family-friendly production.​

The 80-minute multimedia performance combines elaborate shadow puppetry and projected animation to tell the story of Manijeh, a heroine from ancient Persia who must use her strengths and talents to rescue her beloved Bijan and help prevent a war.​

Created, designed and directed by Iranian-born visual artist and filmmaker Hamid Rahmanian, the show adapts the tale of Bijan and Manijeh from the epic poem Shahnameh (Book of Kings).​

The piece uses mythic storytelling to explore themes of love, loyalty and conflict between two young people from warring lands who dream of peace.​

The puppets draw on the visual culture surrounding the Shahnameh, including Persian miniature painting and etching, placing the work at the intersection of traditional craft and modern technology.​

Earlier runs in Paris, New York and elsewhere have earned critical praise for both its craftsmanship and emotional impact, and the production is marketed as suitable for children and families, with guidance of approximately age 6 and up.​

Hamid Rahmanian’s “Song of the North” will run on Saturday, March 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Avenue in Pasadena.​For more information, call (626) 356-7529 or visit https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/event/song-of-the-north/. Ticket prices start at $29 – $42