Ardeshir Salehpour on International Seminar on Potential of Independent Sector in Theater
State-Run Theater Era Over
Ardeshir Salehpour, a performing arts university professor and researcher, believes the era which the government could run the art is over and independent theater is Iran’s new phenomenon today.
Ardeshir Salehpour, a performing arts university professor and researcher, stressed that the art was not a governmental matter per se but the dominance of the governments and rulers had not given ample opportunities for free ideas unfortunately, irantheater.ir reported.
“That was the reason forced artists to put themselves under the protection of the rulers to be able to continue their art life,” he explained, adding that the process of the finishing of Shahnameh by great Iranian poet Ferdowsi (940-1020) was one of this examples as he was forced to sell all his lands and properties and finally resorted to the court of Gaznavi dynasty (the then rulers 977-1186).
Mr Salehpour said that art should not serve the rulers and any such art, which was promoting the propaganda was doomed.
He added that the social developments of the 19th century shaped foundation of Iran’s modern theater and Iran theater system, which has been under the dominance and supervision of the government, was formed since the Qajar dynasty (1785-1925).
The university professor is set to deliver an article on “Decentralization and Dictatorship, Two Obstructive Forces for Iran Independent Theater” in International Seminar on Potential of Independent Sector in Theater on March 5-7.
The researcher said that art and artists were not supposed to serve any current or approach rather than pursuing the line they want, adding that whenever all facilities had been in control of the government, the artists would not have a chance to raise issues beyond what the rulers and governments want. "The artists must be vigilant conscious of the society to show beautiful horizons to it," Mr Salehpour said.
He stressed that whenever private theater rejuvenated in Iran, they helped performing arts to reach its peak.
Mr Salehpour said that development of privately-run auditoriums had been a necessity for the society.
International Seminar on Potential of Independent Sector in Theater will take place in Tehran City Complex's Mashahir Hall on March 5-7. Ali Moradkhani, deputy culture minister for artistic affairs, will officially open the international event in which 30 articles and eight panel discussions are planned.
