Originally published as a book in 2010 and first produced onstage in 2011 (with its New York premiere in 2018 at the New York City Center), WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT soon became a global sensation which has been performed in over 20 languages in multiple countries, experimental drama at its best. The brainchild of Iranian author Nassim Soleimanpour, WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT was written while the author was confined to Iran due to his refusal of compulsory military service with the consequence that he was denied a passport and the ability to travel outside the country. This is a play which has no director, no rehearsal, and an actor who performs the show only one time from a script given to him/her in a sealed envelope minutes before the performance. Every performance features a different actor. The result is as unpredictable as it is exciting, and the audience follows the script right along with the actor. In fact, audience members are often part of the proceedings, reminding everyone that observers may become actors and so share responsibility for what emerges: nobody is really a passive observer. Soleimanpour identifies himself as the author of the script and demands obedience to the words he created from all involved, actors and observers, in the reading of the papers presented. On the night that this reviewer attended the show, Behzad Dabu was the actor of the evening (and often appeared suitably surprised by the script).
Behazad Dabu (far left) and audience members – Photo by Elaine L. Mura
In fact, WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT eventually turns into an experiment within an experiment. At one point, only one carrot is presented to a group of rabbits. The first to secure the carrot is the winner and painted red. The other rabbits are doused with freezing cold water. How lucky for the red rabbit – or is it? The experiment goes on to reveal that soon the white rabbit “losers” are attacking the red rabbit. Even when new white rabbits who are not showered with icy water are introduced into the experiment, they still go on the attack against the red rabbit – courtesy of hearing about the earlier experiment? Genetic memory? Finally, the author ends the allegorical experiment as he refers to the actor and audience as “my white rabbits.”
Behzad Dabu – Photo by Simon Levy-Fountain Theatre
Throughout, Soleimanpour touches upon his life in Iran as he explores restrictions, censorship, denial of individual choice, and the enactment of authoritarian control under such a harsh regime. As an individual who lived in Iran for four years, his thinking and ideas had special significance for me. Thus, the play becomes both comedy and tragedy or, as noted by the Los Angeles Times review, “a theatrical message in a bottle.” Finally, in 2013, he was given a passport and allowed to leave the country. Currently, Soleimanpour lives in Berlin, Germany, with his wife and dog and operates Nassim Soleimanpour Productions.
Behzad Dabu – Photo courtesy of the Fountain Theatre
WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT is a fascinating production which is also thought-provoking, especially when Soleimanpour describes future presentations of his script and asks where he will be and whether or not he will be alive – suggesting the possibility of some very scary consequences for this author. At the same time, he seizes control of each entire theater whenever his work is presented.
Sandra Tsing Loh and audience members on May 11, 2025 – Photo by Simon Levy/Fountain Theatre
On another note, the production offers an ambiguous ending which gives little closure – as a new actor/audience member must read the concluding directions. But that is probably what Soleimanpour intended – to leave the message that life doesn’t always tie up all the loose ends.
Guillermo Cienfuegos (far end) and audience members on May 19, 2025 – Photo by Terri Roberts/Fountain Theatre
RED RABBIT RED RABBIT runs through June 22, 2025, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays (except Sunday 5/11 at 7 p.m.) The Fountain Theatre is located at 5060 Fountain Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029. Tickets ranged from $25 to $45 (seniors $35, students $25, Monday Pay-What-You-Want subject to availability). For information and reservations, call 323-663-1525 or go online.
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