14 New Theaters to Open in Isfahan

Director of Isfahan Dramatic Arts Association told irantheater.ir that these fourteen theater venues would be built in fourteen municipal districts of the historic city.

Isfahan Municipality would hand over pieces of land to the artists on lease-purchase contract, Mr Jamshidian said and added that the city’s department of culture and Islamic guidance would give the permission for launching such local theater spaces and the association would assist those interested with the lighting and set equipment.

Referring that the construction of four theater halls had already been started, he said that these places would have 100 to 150 seats.

“The first aim for launching such halls is to provide residents of Isfahan in every district the possibility to watch theater pieces,” Mr Jamshidian elaborated. “[Such places] will decrease the shortage of places for rehearsals and education.”

On the activities of the association, he said that it had an election recently to start reform while specialized centers for actors, street theater, puppet theater, playwrights and theater critics started.

Also, the center for audience with 2,500 members was launched to provide information on the performances and it was welcomed, he added.

Honar Hall, which was affiliated to Isfahan Municipality, and Master Farshchian Complex were equipped to host the 28^th Isfahan Theater Festival from September 3 to September 8, he said.

Mr Jamshidian said that the association had prioritized the welfare and social status of Isfahan theater artists to solve their woes such as housing and health insurance for those suffering from special diseases.

The writer of “Another Day” added that an art hangout was launched to pay a tribute to the theater artists, who could no longer work. “The renowned Isfahan figures such as Jahanbakhsh Soltani have also been invited to cooperate in new pieces.”

“A workshop to make puppets have been set up thanks to [Isfahan] Honar Auditorium,” he said and added, “Puppet theater groups are busy performing shows and the puppetry is supported constantly.”

Isfahan had 30 theater groups, he said and expressed hope that the historic city would turn into Iran’s theater capital by the early next year.