Farhad Nazerzadeh Kermani on World Theater Day and National Dramatic Arts Day

Farhad Nazerzadeh Kermani, researcher, university professor, and one of the influential figures in Iranian theater, published a message on the occasion of Farvardin 7, National Dramatic Arts Day, which coincides with World Theater Day (March 27).

 

He emphasized the importance and role of theater in culture and society in his message and called for serious attention to theater education in schools.

 

The message is as it follows:

"To our patriotic colleagues who have made theater - this light and mirror of culture and society - shine and empower it to the best of their ability and the capacity of their minds and imaginations. For the sun to emerge, everyone must light a lamp from their home.

Fortunately, Iranian theater has gained academic momentum and outreach, and university education has been established in many cities, which is contributing to the growth of theater.

 

 

 

In Iran, a quantitative revolution in theater has taken place, and a large number of theater artists have devoted their efforts to theatrical action and reactions. Now it is necessary for us all to join hands and strive for a qualitative revolution in theater art.

As always, theater geniuses create a qualitative revolution, and in the meantime, they have created numerous theater creations; but now we should rightly wait for artists who create theater not only with their genius, but also with awareness and education. Therefore, we are looking forward to the emergence of theater geniuses.

 

Now, at this crucial moment, it is time for a discourse on theater in elementary and high schools in Iran. It is very important that theater teachers and instructors be officially hired to expand, popularize, and promote the art of theater in elementary and high schools, and that at least one or two university graduates in theater with a bachelor's or master's degree be hired in each elementary and high school, and that theater lessons be made mandatory in elementary and high school. As stated, the establishment of a student theater will pave the way for the emergence of theatrical geniuses.

I, who have been trying to establish a university theater in Iran since the 1980s, have been looking forward to the emergence of a student theater that is the foundation of university theater, and I have tried and will continue to try my part in this regard. This is the phenomenon that I call “theatrical jihad.” Thus, in the hope of the emergence of a theatrical jihad.

National Performing Arts Day in Iran, which coincides with World Theater Day (March 27), is an opportunity to honor the efforts of artists in this field and to reflect on ways to develop and promote it in society.

World Theatre Day is an international observance celebrated on 27 March. It was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute. Since 1962 World Theatre Day has been celebrated by ITI Centres, ITI Cooperating Members, theatre professionals, theatre organizations, theatre universities and theatre lovers all over the world on the 27th of March. This day is a celebration for those who can see the value and importance of the art form “theatre”, and acts as a wake-up-call for governments, politicians and institutions which have not yet recognised its value to the people and to the individual and have not yet realised its potential for economic growth.

At the 783rd session of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution in 2016, Farvardin 7, corresponding to March 27, was included in the country's official calendar as National Dramatic Arts Day, and since 2017, programs have been held throughout the country to commemorate this day