The Best Of Iranian Theatre In Tehran

Tehran boasts a vibrant but much-underrated theatre scene, the productions of which have often been subject to international acclaim and critical intrigue. From experimental performance pieces to religious-themed passion plays, to creative fusions of the traditional and the modern, Iran’s capital has a lot to offer drama-lovers. Here we explore some of the best venues, traditions, and opportunities available for enjoying the highlights of Iranian performing arts.

Iran Shahr Theatre

Iran Shahr Theatre is another industrious hub of dramatic activity, located centrally in Park-e Honarmandan. One of the oldest theatres in Tehran, Iran Shahr has two large stages with performances being held most days of the week. The second floor café is a great place to meet Iranian thespians and discuss the latest play and playwrights making waves in Tehran. Adaptions of Western plays are not uncommon (Shakespeare is no stranger here), although most productions are domestic creations. Like City Theatre, Iran Shahr is an important venue for theatre festivals, most notably, the Fadjr International held annually. Address: Park-e Honarmandan, Barforooshan Street, Iranshahr Street, Tehran. +98 21 8881 4116

Ta’zieh

Ta’zieh is a form of performance art indigenous to the Islamic world, which is often translated as ‘Shi’it’e passion play’. Particular to Shi’ite communities, ta’zieh performances commemorate the 7th-century martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the third Imam of Shia Islam. Performed in metered verse, ta’zieh has again flourished under the Islamic Republic, and is ubiquitous during the Islamic month of Muharram, which marks the anniversary of the Imam’s martyrdom. Performed publicly, popular venues include the Grand Bazaar, the Tajrish Bazaar, and Park-e Daneshju (outside City Theatre), although streets and squares across the city are also commonly converted into makeshift stages.

Vahdat Hall

Another notable cultural and architectural legacy from pre-revolutionary Iran is the Vahdat Hall (talar-e vahdat), the capital’s only opera house. Completed in 1967, the Vahdat Hall was at the time one of the most state-of-the-art opera houses in the world, and still holds its own today. The main auditorium seats over 1000 spectators; though no longer accommodating opera or ballet performances, it remains an important centre for the performing arts, featuring regular plays as well as housing the Tehran Symphony Orchestra. Address: Shahriar Street, Tehran. +98 21 6673 1419

Other Traditional Performance Art

Iran has a rich history of performance art, many traditional forms of which are still practiced sporadically around the city. Be sure to look out for Kheymeh Shab Bazi – Iranian puppet plays: normally performed in small chambers, the plays feature a dialogue between the puppets, a narrator, and a musical performer. Also of note are the dramatic storytelling performances known as naqqali, in which a narrator recounts tales to music and dance.By Shaahin Pishbin