After 11 days of intensive competition among various theater groups, the 33rd Fajr Theater Festival concluded on Sunday (Feb. 1) at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall.
Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati, art deputy at the ministry Ali Moradkhani, festival secretary Ardeshir Salehpour, and a large number of theater artists and fans took part in the “glorious ceremony held to honor veteran artists and award the winners in different sections,” Honaronline reported.
Salehpour drew a parallel between theater and light and mirror, stating that “like a light that illuminates the stage, theater enlightens minds, turning darkness into light; and like a mirror, it truly reflects the world as it is. So, there is a great responsibility on our shoulders not to let the light fade away and the mirror to be covered with dust or rust.”
Accepting the flaws and shortcomings of the festival, he noted that the festival is however promising “as it suggests that national theater is on the correct path, trying to improve, seek new horizons, and introduce innovative talent.”
Insufficient budget and lack of proper equipment were two factors which accounted for the not-so-pleasant situation of Iran theater in recent years. Nevertheless, according to statistics, “the number of submissions this year saw a 35 percent increase over the previous year, which is clear proof of the interest and enthusiasm of theater fans despite all the obstacles and problems,” he added.
Foreign Participants
This year, theater groups from Germany, France, Poland, Armenia, Italy, Russia, and Norway either had performances during the 11-day program or held specific workshops.
Also speaking at the function, the culture minister called the festival an “identity of Iran theater” which tries to give a realistic view of the annual attempts in the theater arena.
Jannati appreciated the attendance of over 2000 Iranians in the event along with foreign groups and said, “I should make a confession, that is, in the past years we did not support this field of art as we should have done.” He urged all the art and culture officials to help promote Iran theater through unbiased decisions.
Winners of different sections were awarded prizes. The jury recognized one winner each for the best set design, score, scriptwriting, and directing, and also named others in each category. However the jury selected no best actor and actress and sufficed to mention a few names.
