In an Iranian Family

This play tells the story of a family twelve years after the death of their daughter, Mojdeh. They continue to gather annually at her gravesite in Behesht Zahra to remember her. Mojdeh, who was apparently involved in political struggles leading to her death, still makes her presence felt throughout the house and communicates with each family member, expressing concern for them. On this particular day, her uncle, attending the ceremony, starts complaining and blames all the men in the family, especially Mojdeh’s father, for the death of his son, Farhad. He believes Farhad loved Mojdeh and, feeling responsible after her death, despite a medical exemption, went to the front lines and was martyred. Farhad’s father tells Mojdeh’s father that if he had wished, a single word could have stopped his son from going to war, and Farhad would have listened. The discussions continue without resolution. Eventually, everyone decides to head to Behesht Zahra, while Mojdeh remains concerned about her political activities and her well-being. Besides the play, the book includes an interview with the author.