Tehran-Mobarak Puppet Festival Safeguards Traditions

Mr Janati has said in his messages, according to irantheater.ir;

“The art of puppetry has a history of thousands of years. Nobody knows with what intention, where or when the art was first created. But it is clear it is originated in the orient. Its roots can be tracked in the history of Iranian, Indian and Chinese art.

No Iranian feels stranger with the puppetry. A quick look into different regions in Iran will show the good connection between the nation and puppet shows. Puppetry has been very popular in Iran. Despite the popularity, the number of puppet shows is low. We enthusiastically welcome success of the art everywhere in the country.

The history of puppetry dates back to seven to eight centuries ago. The most common type has been Kheime Shab Bazi, which is influential and attractive despite its simplicity. Kheime Shab Bazi was usually performed by street puppet performers who used simple elements and entertaining but instructive folklore tales. This type of puppetry continues until today. The art, which is deeply rooted in Iran culture, should not be forsaken. All its aspects must be identified and documented in compatible with the local rituals.  

The puppet festival walks in this path and is hopeful to serve as an inspiration and a supporter of puppet shows in every corner of the country.

The festival, which is celebrating its 16^th year, is an event that makes alive and safeguard the traditions of this ancient art. The festival paves the ground for participation and cooperation of masters of the art as well as the experts and artists. It brings together different generations of Iran’s puppetry from across the country to identify and bloom the talents and activities of the art.

One of the most important aspects of the event is education and transfer of experience. University professors and students, veterans of the art and the youth, domestic and foreign artists will gather in the festival to watch each other’s pieces, exchanges views, discuss and consult. In fact, they will be informed of experiences, educational points of this ritual art and get familiar with the culture and traditions of puppetry in Iran and the world. These educational points and precious experiences will enrich the puppetry and feed the contents of the next year’s festival.

I will express my gratitude to all participating artists, the secretary of the festival and domestic and foreign guests whose presence will boost this important art event. I hope the festival will take a step towards introducing and blossoming the art of this land, Iran, through materializing its targets.”