The Cultch has unveiled more information about the first show on its fierce Femme Fest line-up.

Parifam, from vACT (Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre) and Medusa Theatre Society, is set to light up the Historic Theatre when it makes its world debut on April 4.   

The plot follows Parifam Mana, an Iranian-Canadian artist living in Montreal. When her old friend Ramak appears, the two come face-to-face with hidden parts of their past. Inspired by 13th-century Persian poet Rumi and contemporary Iranian drama, the play explores ideas of regeneration and renewal.

“Parifam experiences rebirth,” says playwright  Aki Yaghoubi in a statement. “She’s meeting herself in her past through her paintings. Painting by painting, she meets different versions of herself, becomes stronger, and becomes able to embrace all these different versions of herself from her past and become whole.”

Medusa Theatre’s founder Panthea Vatandoost is set to direct the premiere, which stars local talent including Foojan Nixie Shabrang, Nazanin Shoja, and Donia Kash.

Parifam has been in production for over four years, and an earlier reading was staged as part of Ruby Slippers’ Advance Theatre Festival last year.

“If you're interested in fine arts, if you're interested in interpersonal relationships, if you enjoy watching a story with a hint of mystery—a thriller,” adds Vatandoost, “I would say that this is the show for you.”