Theatrical Groups of 30 Provinces to Perform in Quake-Hit Regions

Darand told Iran Theater that the theatrical groups were ready to perform puppetry and street theater upon an invitation by head of Street Theater Office of the Dramatic Arts Center.

The shows, he explained, would be performed for the children traumatized by the earthquake, adding that the planning for the performances was needed as 1,900 villages and 4 cities were hit by the quake.

Darand stressed that theatrical group would be dispatched to the regions considering certain rules, adding that the focus was on performances on subjects such as personal hygiene, environment and post-quake measures needed to be observed by individuals while taking in account psychological trauma of the children.

The director said that six groups from Kermanshah had so far been performed in the regions while some troupes from provinces of North Khorasan, Markazi, Khuzestan and city of Kashan had performances spontaneously.  

He, however, demanded the groups to coordinate with the association from now on.  

Darand said that the performances had relaxing impacts on villagers and children of quake-hit areas, which was somehow surprising because some of them had lost very close relatives like parents, sisters or brothers but shows could bring smile on their faces.  

He said it was surprising because the association was ready for protests by quake-stricken people against performances but people were eager to see performances. "Now, we feel heavy responsibility on our shoulders to reduce the pain and sadness of the children through theater."

Darand expressed gratitude to theater artists of the country who stood by Kermanshah and had not left its quake-stricken people alone.