Travelers

The book “Travelers” is the eighth full-length screenplay by Bahram Beyzai, written in the late 1980s and directed by Beyzai himself. Bahram Beyzai is undoubtedly the most important director, writer, and theorist of cinema and theater in Iran, having had a significant impact on performing arts. Beyzai usually employs a unique language in his works and, due to his rich theatrical background, directs stage elements and actors within a distinct form. His works’ language is generally archaic, frequently featuring symbolic and mythological themes. Symbolism in Beyzai’s works is so integral that understanding it is essential for a comprehensive interpretation of the story. “Travelers” is one such work where symbolic concepts bear much of the narrative’s weight. In this story, a family is preparing a wedding ceremony for their young daughter, awaiting the arrival of a hereditary mirror to hold the event. However, the young bride is involved in an accident on the way, and the story takes a different turn. Like in his theatrical environment, Beyzai does not offer certainty to the viewer but presents various clues suggesting the death of both the bride and groom. Police reports and testimonies strengthen this assumption. Yet, an unexpected event at the end shapes the story’s true nature, as the bride and groom enter the ceremony holding the mirror, transforming the wedding, which had turned into mourning, back to joy and light. The existential nature and symbolic definition of the mirror are crucial in providing a comprehensive story. Although the film “Travelers,” directed by Beyzai, was met with unprecedented acclaim from critics and audiences, the story’s essence and Beyzai’s special language make the screenplay engaging and appealing not only to serious cinema enthusiasts but also to general audiences. Reading this work is recommended for fans of Bahram Beyzai.