Iranian president meets Ali Nassirian on World Theater Day

Seyyed Abbas Salehi (Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance), Nadereh Rezaei (Deputy for Artistic Affairs), Niknam Hosseinpour (Director of Public Relations of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and Advisor to the Minister of Culture), Raed Faridzadeh (Head of the Cinema Organization), Dariush Mo'addabian (director and writer) accompanied Pezzekian in this meeting.

 

The meeting happened at Nassirian’s home in Tehran. They had a conversation about Conditions of theater and cinema in Iran.

Pezeshkian said he’s an arts enthusiast but his challenges are so numerous that he rarely finds time to go to theater or cinema.

 

Nassirian presented a historical overview of theater performances in Iran during this meeting and criticized negative perceptions of the performing arts, saying they accuse us of pessimism, but the truth is that theater’s duty is to depict problems and weaknesses.

 

He described art as a necessity for society and said people’s needs extend beyond bread and water and they require spiritual nourishment as well.

 

Nassirian noted that bad news from wars and crises has left people spiritually parched while theater and cinema can soothe the public’s psyche. The famous Iranian actor also said art and culture are part of the Iranians’ identity and serve as a lifeline for respiration.

 

At the end of the meeting, Nassirian told President Pezeshkian, “We had a good time in your presence…you are a problem-solver and I hope the country’s problems are resolved at your hands”.