Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Faranak Hashemi ¹
• Mandana Langarizadeh ²

¹ Assistant professor of German Language and Literature, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

² None

Abstract

Friedrich Dürrenmatt is one of the most important and renowned German-speaking playwrights, and some of his works, including The Visit of the Old Lady, are among the most frequently performed German-language plays. This play is a prominent example of grotesque and dark humor, which are techniques used by Dürrenmatt. In the present comparative and interdisciplinary study, after introducing the work and referring to theoretical aspects and adaptation theories, the various performances of the play in German-speaking countries and Iran are examined. Additionally, its adaptations in the form of opera and film are also discussed. This study aims to highlight some of the differences and similarities among the various performances, which arise from the effect of the time gap between the performances and the cultural differences in artistic vision, work style, and theatrical factors. The newer performances are somewhat more modern, with some features, such as set and costume design, being exaggerated in some cases. In films, the content has also been modified according to the influence of the cultural context, leading to certain differences.