Iran, an Active Member of UMINA

Hamid Reza Ardalan, researcher, university professor and founder of 'Words and Puppets' Troupe, has been one of the most acclaimed figures in Iran puppetry.

He has performed more than 60 puppet shows and heads Iran's UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Marionnette - International Puppetry Association) in the past. Mr Ardalan received the Sattari Award of Iran Ritual/Traditional Theater Festival this month because of his services to the field.

He replied Iran Theater on why Iranian puppeteers had not shone in the international field despite that Iran had managed to enhance ties with UNIMA.

Mr Ardalan said that Iran occupies a good status in terms of quantity with 550 members in UNIMA and it has been a member of some of its commissions such as a seat in its Heritage Commission. "I can say Iran is one of the most active members of UNIMA," he stressed.

Mr Ardalan appreciated Behrouz Gharibpour's efforts to introduce Iran to UNIMA, laying the foundation for future cooperation between young Iranian puppeteers and the international organization.

He added that however, Mr Zolfaghari was Iran's first member of UNIMA before Mr Gharibpour, saying that they did the hard job by laying the foundation.

 

Mr Ardalan assured that number of Iranians who would establish ties with UNIMA would increase from eight now to 50 within the next three years.