Message of Director General of Dramatic Arts Center to 18th Traditional/Ritual Theater Festival
Theater Connects Man of Today to Human of Yesterday
Message of Director General of Dramatic Arts Center, Mahdi Shafiee, issued a message to the 18th Traditional/Ritual Theater Festival, which opens in Tehran on August 30.
The message read, Iran Theater reported.
"In the Name of God"
Rituals are symbols of social life and voluntary enforcement of behaviors, which pushes the society toward better shapes. Such shapes invite the contemporary human to peace and moralities through giving meaning to social values and beliefs. The ancient land of Iran is the cradle of unique rituals insisting on monotheism, authenticity and social solidarity. Iranians' soul and world are entwined with their old rituals and ceremonies reflected in every aspect of their lives of which theater as a cultural and artistic approach connects today's human to yesterday's man. This connection could make these rituals updated to stand against social woes of today.
The Traditional/Ritual Theater Festival tries to help this art be a manifestation of monotheism, wisdom and humane characteristics of Iranians. It is a sacred ideal which believes the sublimation of society could be achieved by conservation and promotion of a heritage, which would not remain without sacrifice of artists. It is certain that constant researches and studies to identify more delicacy and styles of Iranian theater, its employment and performance would not only help strengthen the status of this valuable art but also improve theater in Iran, especially when it is compared to those of other countries.
I appreciate efforts of groups and artists of valuable Iranian theater and true organizes of the festival. I pray God the merciful bless the country's art.