In a friendly town, suddenly one by one the residents begin to transform into rhinoceroses. At first, all this seems unbelievable, unheard of - the residents are in an uproar, they are worried.

Then the spouse, the neighbor, the boss, the girl you like... start to transform. So, the reality changes. 'For my neighbor to become a rhinoceros, someone I know and respect, there must be a reason, a justification. Maybe I'm the wrong one in the end in this town? Maybe everyone is right and I'm wrong?'

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DAISY: Do you hear them? They are singing!

BENJAMIN: They're not singing, they're grunting.

DAISY: Look at them, they're playing, laughing, dancing... it's the dance of the rhinoceroses...

Look how beautiful they are!

BENJAMIN: It's overwhelming.

DAISY: They're like gods!

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In this monumental post-war work of Ionesco, the allegory of the massification of fascism and the rapid rise of Nazism is clear. The horror fascinates as it approaches. The monster begins to look like you.

I saw the performance at the Theatro Kivotos (Benjamin: Ares Servetas) and was so fascinated by the - even today - so topical words of the text, and maybe now more than ever, that I went to the library the next day and borrowed the text. I wanted to study it.

Where is the wrong, and what inhuman thing prevails, when do we lose control over humanity and against humanity?

Were all the Nazis monsters or maybe just swept away by the psychology of the crowd?

Where does the justification of massification end and where does individual responsibility begin?

I was shocked by the parallel between Europe in the middle of the 20th century and Europe in the 21st century, where the snake of Nazism begins to rise again.

I live on a remote island, Samos, with the main issue of refugees/migrants here for years, and I was left speechless by the dialogues, they reminded me so much of the dialogues of the locals on my island, for whom I am ashamed and whom I fear.

How far can you justify an angry person, and from where does he become dangerous?

Are we sure that as a society we control the measure?

Where is the fine line where modern rhinoceroses should be limited, and when will they trample us all? When are we sure that it's a minority and when does it become a majority... Will we manage to take champagne?

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DAISY: Well, everything is a habit. Now, no one is scared when they see little rhinoceroses jumping on the streets. People move aside, let them pass, and then continue their walk or go to work carefree, as if nothing is happening. [...]

Come on, let's eat quickly, and let's do better than the indifferent ones!

BENJAMIN: But no, I will never be able to get used to them!

[...]

I will defend myself against the whole world... I have a duty to do it!

I will not sit with crossed arms... I will fight... I am the last human

and until the end I will remain human!

No, I will not be conditioned!

... I WILL NOT BECOME LIKE YOU!

-VEIL-

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A masterpiece and a warning.

It shocked me.

Beware of the Rhinoceroses. They are around me, they are around you and they are multiplying every moment.

And above all, be careful not to become one yourself.

You have a duty to remain Human, whatever the circumstances.

*****

Imagine a rather peculiar scenario where one morning you wake up and find yourself completely surrounded by rhinoceros. To your utter astonishment, your relatives, friends, and colleagues have all shed their human forms and donned the tough skin of these mighty animals. The mystery begs to be solved: what was the initial cause of these strange metamorphoses? Were they accidental or the result of a deliberate act?

The sudden appearance of a rhino in a provincial town sends its inhabitants into a state of restlessness and suspicion. Heated discussions break out regarding the origin and appearance of this unexpected visitor. People engage in fierce arguments, debating whether it has come from the vast plains of Africa or the diverse landscapes of Asia. Meanwhile, the number of rhinos in the town begins to increase at an alarming rate.

What could be the reasons behind these conversions? One might assume that people have fallen victim to the powerful spell of an evil magician. Or perhaps conjecture that they are transforming into rhinos due to an incredibly rare disease. However, as it turns out, the truth is far more prosaic. Some individuals have voluntarily chosen to become these thick-skinned creatures, while others are seriously contemplating taking such a fateful step.

But why did the author specifically choose rhinos and not, for example, butterflies or fish? The thick skin of the rhino implies an organic deficiency in their ability to feel for others and sympathize with them. By analogy, those few individuals who are striving to maintain their humanity should not hold out any hope for empathy from the converted rhinos.

If I were one of those attempting to preserve my human shape, my greatest concern would be the rhino-neophytes. They might be eager to prove their complete belonging to the group of rhinos with great enthusiasm. This could be metaphorically described as the desire “to be more Catholic than the Pope himself.”

The reader cannot help but be struck by the rapidity with which the number of rhinos in the town grows. This, of course, comes at the expense of the human population. Today, the animals are still in the minority, but tomorrow, they will be everywhere you look. Those who remain human, both literally and figuratively, can only watch helplessly as events unfold.

It is difficult to determine precisely where the bifurcation point lies between the two different world orders. At what exact moment did the normal and the abnormal switch places? Regardless of such “details,” the power of the rhinos is steadily increasing.

Should the decision to become a rhino be a difficult one? What is preventing the remaining population from abandoning their human form and joining the majority? It is a pity that rhinos probably do not possess a sense of humor and are deprived of pleasant memories. Otherwise, they might be a more acceptable choice.

The essence of this slightly Kafkaesque story is manifested in a famous tale about the “well of madness.” When most people in an imaginary kingdom drink water from this well and go mad, those who have not yet tasted this “crazy” water become outcasts of society. As a result, they end up having to drink from the well, just like everyone else, in order to be accepted by society.

The play by Ionesco also explores how the quantitative majority begins to dictate ethical standards to everyone. As the proverb goes, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Odds are, the very first rhino predetermined the fate of the town. But the question remains unanswered.

The exhibition was quite interesting. There was a strong resistance from Branje against swimming and on the other hand, his hesitation as he thought the crabs were prettier than himself.

The shared life of Dizzy and Branje, which didn't last more than a few seconds and quickly passed by, and also the fact that I really liked going over a shared life in a short time.

The corners that were given to philosophers, logicians, politicians, and religious officials were also really interesting.

It seemed as if the exhibition was presenting a unique and diverse world, full of different emotions and perspectives. Each aspect added to the overall charm and made it a truly engaging experience.

The contrast between Branje's resistance and his self-perception, along with the fleeting nature of the shared life, created a sense of mystery and curiosity.

The inclusion of various figures from different fields further enriched the exhibition, offering a glimpse into different ways of thinking and living.

Overall, it was an exhibition that left a lasting impression and made one think about the complexity and beauty of life.

Listen, Jean. I have no leisure time at all. People in this city are driven crazy. I wasn't made for the job I have... Every day at the office, eight hours straight and only three weeks of vacation in the summer! By Saturday afternoon, I'm so tired that finally I understand; for a little bit of leisure... I wasn't made for this. No. I wasn't made for this kind of life.

It seems that my days are just a continuous cycle of work and more work. There's no room for anything else. The stress is piling up, and I feel like I'm on the verge of breaking. I long for those precious moments of freedom and relaxation, but they seem so elusive. I wonder if there's a way out of this rut, a way to find a balance between work and life.

Maybe I need to make some changes. But what? I'm so caught up in this routine that I don't even know where to start. All I know is that I can't keep living like this. There has to be more to life than just work and exhaustion.

Kultova play of one of the leading representatives of the theater of the absurd.

What is this work about? Visions about human herd behavior, about totalitarianism and the psychology of the masses.

In a small town, people suddenly start turning into rhinoceroses. The author does not explain the cause of this amazing phenomenon, but it is not important for the hyperbolized absurd reality. The aim is to show the difference in the reactions of different characters to this sudden metamorphosis.

What is more precious: to remain oneself, or to give in to the power of the Id and follow the crowd towards a bright goal? Individuality or community? Living in a pair or being in a mechanism?

I will definitely read Ionesco again.

"Daisy is amazed all around, amazed at the rhinoceros heads on the walls, in the doors on the stairs, above the railing.

Daisy. These are they who are born. And they are happy. They are good in their skin. It is not visible on them that they are capricious. They are very natural. And they are right.

Berenger (humbly folding his hands in front of his chest and looking at Daisy with despair). I assure you, Daisy, we are right.

Daisy. Well, the pretensions!

Berenger. You know very well that I am right.

Daisy. There is no absolute rightness. The world is right, not you or me.

Berenger. No, Daisy, I am right. Here is the proof: you understand what I am saying.

Daisy. That still doesn't prove anything.

Berenger. Here is the proof: I love you as only a man can love a woman.

Daisy. A ridiculous argument!

Berenger. I won't beg you anymore, Daisy. Beloved, you no longer know what you are saying. Love! Love, the same love…

Daisy. I am a little ashamed of what you call love, of that queasy feeling, that male weakness. And also female. It cannot be compared with the thirst and extraordinary energy with which those creatures around us are even sweating.

Berenger. Energy? You want energy? Here, here's your energy! (He gives her a slap).

Daisy. Ouch! I would never have believed it! (She faints).

Berenger. Oh! Forgive me, beloved, forgive me! (He wants to kiss her, she dodges). Forgive me, beloved, I didn't want to. I don't know what came over me, how I could not restrain myself!

Daisy. It's very simple: you no longer have arguments.

Berenger. Go away-go away! In a few minutes we have already lived a quarter of a century together."

Please tell me which one is harder:

Being human in a worldly environment where everyone is working hard,

or working hard in the footsteps of others?!

This is a thought-provoking question. When we are in a worldly environment where everyone is striving, it can be quite challenging to maintain our own identity and values. We may face various pressures and distractions, and it is not easy to stay true to ourselves. On the other hand, working hard in the footsteps of others also has its difficulties. We may have to follow the established patterns and rules, and it may be difficult to break through and innovate. However, no matter which path we choose, as long as we have a clear goal and firm belief, and are willing to work hard and persevere, we can achieve our own success and growth.

This was the first book that I was going to read by this author. And before, when I heard his name in the book "The Book of Laughter and Forgetting", it was the first time I had heard his name.

((At the beginning of the book, there is a preface about him and some interviews with him (as if he had come to Iran too), and I postponed reading it until after the story so that it would not have any influence on my perception.))

**

Anyway,

I really liked the story. It's a strange story in four acts, and the connection between them is the character of a man who remains until the end.

All the content of the story, except for the last few lines, is described with different dialogues and sometimes intertwined.

It is a time when people start to wither away, and their number decreases from the majority to the minority, and it goes to a point where it seems that only one person is left.

Why wither away? No one knows! The problem is that people reach a point where they want to wither away.

Around them, all people are forced to follow whatever view they had before. Everyone has their own reason: losing the ability to fight, pride in correct understanding, keeping up with the times, failure in love, and so on.

The matter goes to a point where it seems that only one person is left and he does not want to change to this, but the unanswered and thought-provoking question is: Can he?

A hilarious comedy with unforgettable images, UNESCO targets the most important themes: absurd acceptance, wholeness, grief, and death.

This unique comedy manages to blend these profound and often沉重的 topics with humor in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The use of unforgettable images further enhances the impact of the story, making it a memorable experience for the viewers.

By addressing these themes, the comedy not only provides entertainment but also offers a deeper exploration of the human condition. It forces us to confront our own fears and insecurities, while also reminding us of the importance of acceptance and finding wholeness in the face of adversity.

Overall, this comedy is a must-see for anyone looking for a unique and engaging viewing experience that combines humor with depth and meaning.

December 18 - 21, 2023.

UNESCO told me the things that I needed to know. We are human beings who have become extinct. Maybe they were telling us that we were going to become extinct, but we didn't believe it. However, as time passed, we got used to it, we became unified, we put aside our principles, values and beliefs, and this gradual copying has made us extinct. And we are completely proud of what we are. We are the majority and since we are the majority, we are right.

With this presentation, Mr. UNESCO was able to use his power to claim a soft and firm place for himself at the highest point of my heart.

I really like this book.

Not only did I enjoy the play itself, but I also thought the translation was very good.

It's this collection that contains a first interview, a final interview, and a series of writings about UNESCO.

Perhaps my interest in this book has nothing to do with the circumstances of Ms. Saberi.

Perhaps, perhaps the reason is that Pari Saberi translated the book with love and enthusiasm.

Maybe that's what makes it so special.

Overall, this book has left a deep impression on me, and I look forward to exploring more works like it in the future.

All cats are mortal. Socrates is mortal. Therefore, Socrates is a cat.

This simple logical argument presents an interesting thought. We start with the general statement that all cats share the trait of being mortal. Then, we are given the information that Socrates is also mortal. Based on these two premises, the conclusion is drawn that Socrates must be a cat. However, this conclusion may seem a bit absurd at first glance. In reality, Socrates is a well-known philosopher and not a cat. But this argument serves to illustrate the importance of careful reasoning and the potential pitfalls that can occur when making hasty or incorrect deductions. It shows that just because two things share a common characteristic does not necessarily mean they belong to the same category.

In conclusion, while the argument may not hold true in the literal sense, it offers a valuable lesson in the realm of logic and critical thinking.