Bin-Playing, Kind of Ancient Iranian Plays with Its Loyal Audience
Davoud Fathali Baygi, writer, director and theatre researcher believes that the ancient type of theatre bin-playing can still attract audience.
Iran Theatre- Davoud Fathali Baygi, head of ritual and traditional plays association has staged “Bin-Playing of Wheat Monster” in Ezzatollah Entezami Museum.
Davoud Fathali Baygi, defines bin-playing: “This is a puppet-theatre type which has been common in Shiraz in southern Iran. In this kind of play, the puppeteer sits in a bin. Bin-playing is not a complicated play also has not special characteristics.”
He explains about the songs which are song in the play: “Old artists knew old songs of their region and they song them if it was necessary. These songs were not permanent and the singer had not to perform it in a determined way. We also follow that style in “Bin-Playing of Wheat Monster” play.”
“Player is not an actor in the play. If somebody can play drum is good as a leader. Most of times, somebody who sits beside the dolls and talk with them also play drum too.” Head of ritual and traditional plays association added.
Fathali Baygi talked about the communication of the play with audience: “In the past, these kinds of play were performed in celebrations like national and religious ceremonies or wedding for people. People liked them very much; once theatre halls were not common in Iran officially.”
He says that the performing of this kind of the play in its traditional way is necessary and added: “If this style be changed, it will lose its traditional shape. In this puppet show, the puppeteer is hidden in the bin. What is changed today is the place of hiding puppeteer. However, the models of puppets also were changed and they are like elastic ones, but the overall way of the play is like the old ones with a little bit change.”
“Bin-Playing of Wheat Monster” has a folklore story about a sheriff who steals a life bottle of a monster and then forces him to take wheat from farmers and then deliver them to the sheriff. So, Saffron Baji and Hazelnut go to his home in hidden to reveal the secret.
“Bin-Playing of Wheat Monster” written by Mehdi Saffarinezhad and directed by Davoud Fathali Baygi, will be performed from 26th April to 1st May every night but Saturdays at 7 PM in Ezzatollah Entezami Museum. Hamidreza Allahyari and Sasan Mehrpouyan are puppeteers of the play.