The new Khavaran Theater Complex will officially be inaugurated by the end of spring (June 20).
"Preparations for the theater complex are underway thanks to the municipality's cooperation in space allocation," art deputy at the ministry of culture and Islamic guidance Ali Moradkhani, was quoted as saying by ISNA.
Noting that resolving all theater related matters vis-a-vis performing groups, projects, and artists is high on the ministry's agenda, he announced that the current Iranian calendar year (started March 21) is named' The Year of Theater' by the ministry in line with their policies to pay attention to this field of art.
"Many areas in theater, particularly infrastructure, need amendments as performing arts are currently short of venues," he stressed.
The idea of naming each year, following the tradition set by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, was suggested at the last meeting of the ministry's board of directors at the end of the previous year (ended March 20). The title would signify the field that will be of high regard for the ministry each year.
Located in southern Tehran (District 15) and accessible to all classes of the society, the soon-to-be- art complex "has the potential to multiply the current number of theater enthusiasts and encourage them to experience it firsthand."
Equipment
As the largest theater complex in the Middle East, it has an area of 210,000 square meters. Among various spaces designed within the complex are a 1,000-seat main hall, four 150-seat halls, a puppetry hall, and an amphitheater. Also, 3500 sq. meters of the building is allocated to traditional and ethnic performances.
The center is equipped with state-of-the art devices including a moving six-meter deep stage, a side-by-side shooting system and professional projectors. It is designed to host workshops, concerts and symphony orchestras. It is located at Khavaran Road, next to Khavaran Cultural Center.
Another facility named Saba Theater Complex is soon to be opened in Shariati Street of Tehran. The facility would be more appropriate for traditional and ethnic plays.
