Mohsen Mirzaei: The Disability theatre is a source of information for the society
Iran Theater-Mohsen Mirzaei is an artist who has the experience of working with the disabled. He believes that the Disability theatre is a source of awareness for the society, and in this way, both the audience and the disabled artists learn to make demands by being present in the community.
On the occasion of International Day of Disabled Persons, Iran Theater had a conversation with Mohsen Mirzaei, a Kermani theater artist who has a lot of experience working in the disability theatre.
How did you get to know about the Disability theatre and how did you start public performances?
- Through my friend and colleague Nader Fallah, who cooperated with theater for the deaf, I met disabled people interested in theater. I worked with Nader for a while and this is how my relationship with them began and continues. At first, performances were only for educational festivals, but my ideal was public performances. Finally, after some time (about two years), in 2002, my first work, called "Suddenly How Late It Is" was staged in Kerman Theater. I had a very difficult start. There was no reception with the people and officials. An institution Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance considered the responsibility towards State Welfare Organization of Iran, of course, even now the situation is somewhat similar to the past. Of course, some institutions cooperated in advertising. I paid most of the expenses myself and spent my income from appearing in films and cinema for the disability theatre.
What are the characteristics of working with disabled people?
Working with disabled people requires love, patience and self-sacrifice.
What are the conditions for holding theater festivals for the disabled people?
Holding a festival is not an easy task at all. Some disabilities require immediate medical attention. Hoteling, transportation, halls, etc. all require special infrastructure and some disabled people must have a companion.