Theater a Show of Humanity for Iran Noble Society

Minister of culture and Islamic guidance, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, said that the government prioritizes growth in theater, which is of great importance for the society, irantheater.ir reported.

“The most important point, which should be taken into account, is social happiness – a need for today’s young generation. Today’s society is full of joy and happiness and the ground should be laid for the joy and happiness of the youth,” said the minister.

He stressed that theater as a mother art plays an important role in increasing joy and happiness and improving accountability, adding that social accountability, which is the theme of this year, is very important and the children should learn it in kindergartens or as young adults and youth.

Salehi-Amiri said that the society needed theater more than ever now as an art picturing humanity for Iran noble nation, adding that this showed that those active in the field occupy a high status and people cherish them too,

“Development of theater could not be materialized through propaganda and speeches. The development of theater infrastructure is fundamental and we are trying to materialize it,” Mr Salehi-Amiri promised.  

On the state plan in this regard, the minister said that development of private sector to make maximum use of potentials was on the agenda while the government was encouraging banking cooperation to develop the field.

He added that the executive responsibilities would be handed over to theater community more while the young talents would join the field to breathe fresh air.

“The youth shone in this year's festival to rejuvenate the field. Between 90 and 110 performances in Tehran and other cities prove that. The high number of performances makes us invest more in the art,” Mr Salehi-Amiri said.   

The minister hoped that the country would witness more development in the new Iranian year (to start March 21) as Iran needed the art to reach peaks of success.

“We cannot run a society without art. Art is a basic need of man. As humans need education, food, housing and clothes, art and knowledge are essential too. Music, theater, painting and …are realities of the society and the government attaches high importance to them,” he stressed.

What happened this year was a return of the young people to theater, the minister said, adding that this would carry a clear message, which was that the society needed culture and theater was one of its basic consumption.

“People express their emotions through performing arts. Theater pictures their pains and ideals on a small set, which shows how responsible  the theater community is and I will cherish you great and cultured people,” the minister said.