The Shaving of Shagpat; an Arabian entertainment — Complete

In this delightfully eccentric tale, a down‑on‑his‑luck barber named Shibli Bagarag finds himself thrust from the bustling streets of Shiraz into the glittering, other‑worldly city of Shagpat. Driven by hunger and a prophecy of greatness, he sets out to complete a bizarre royal commission: shaving the enigmatic son of a long‑line of clothiers. Along the way, he encounters a crone who offers cryptic counsel, whispering of hidden doors and forgotten kingdoms that lie beneath the palace’s marble arches.

The story unfolds with a blend of Arabian romance and playful satire, as Shibli’s simple quest quickly spirals into encounters with enchanted palaces, sleeping kings, and imprisoned princesses. The narrative balances vivid, almost lyrical description with witty commentary on fate, ambition, and the absurdities of courtly life. Listeners will be swept into a world where everyday concerns mingle with magic, and a humble barber’s adventure promises both humor and wonder.