Education Is Most Important Part of Iranian Theater

Cinema and Theater Department of Art University Jihad is going to have courses in the summer to education students on acting and direction of Iranian theater, naghali (narrating of important stories from the Iranian fables, myths and epics which have remained in the most important books since ancient times. In this play, one person both narrates and plays all the roles.) for adults and children and adolescents. Mohammad Hossein Naserbakht and Davoud Fathalibeigi will run the classes.

It will also have classes on direction of documentary and courses on making video clips, managing film production and psychological analysis of movies, Iran Theater reported.

Davoud Fathalibeigi told Iran Theater about the classes that none of Iranian universities were focused on educating students on types of Iranian theater and the lack of such trainings was felt.

He explained that these classes run by him and Mr Naserbakht were aimed at filling the gap in the field to train students in theory and details to make them able to use the skill in their future career.

Mr Fathalibeigi expanded that most faculties and educational institutes had two or three or maximum six courses on Iranian theater, which were not enough to train students professionally.

Also, students would join the professional theater soon after passing the courses, which this could be a pitfall too, he added.

“Unfortunately, none of these students did not know rhythm in the country’s traditional and ritual performing arts,” Mr Fathalibeigi said. “This is a source of regret that how an individual who does not know the basics of this art can start working in the field,” he added.

On summer courses of Art University Jihad, he said that the courses were interconnected, starting with naghali, then how to have act alone or with other actors on the stage.

Meanwhile, acting in other types of Iranian theater such as Takhte-Hozi (a tradition of popular plays, combing comedy and music, dance and poetry) were taught to students, he said, adding that students would learn all the details of traditional Iranian performing arts and how to connect with members of the audience during the courses.