Art Can Help Stand by People

 

Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein ordered the bombardment of the civilian targets in the city on November 24, 1986 for about 1.45 minutes with 52 warplanes. 75 civilians were martyred as a result of bombardment.

The message read;

Artist is the child of his/her time. This characteristic makes them to hold a mirror in their hand to narrate honestly the discovered ideals of society to make them eternal through the elixir of art.

In our time, the epic eight-year defense is a shining treasure in which there are eternal myths and models who can guide us to truth and honesty by art. Theater is one of the guidance who sees, talks and listen humanlike and has joined hands with the people of its time to walk out of deadlocks and commemorate ‘Red Tulips’ on stage.

Theater has the opportunity to reflect the fate and nature of people of its time. Theater is reflection of the determination of a nation, finding its path from darkness to the light and sunlight.  

Flags of the 23^rd Red Tulip Theater Festival are raised in the days embellished with sacrifices and honor of the noble people of Andimeshk.

November 25, 1986 showed the grudge of an enemy of a city, known for being sacred with the footsteps of Iranian soldiers and Miraj (ascension) of martyrs. It is a bitter incident, which led to martyrdom of hundreds but give Andimesh a good reputation. Red Tulip Festival is not an event dictated by officials but it is desire from the heart of the kind spirit of artists, citizens and officials of this noble city. The birth anniversary of the festival is a good omen to remember that we can stand by and live for the people thanks to the jewel of art.  

Mahdi Shafiee

Director General of Dramatic Arts Center

The festival will open on November 27 in the city and will run until December 1.