TEHRAN-The 19th edition of Iran's Resistance International Theater Festival has introduced a special award named after Ismail Haniyeh, chief of the political bureau of the Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas, for its upcoming event, the organizers have announced.

Titled Martyr of Al-Quds Ismail Haniyeh, the award will be presented in two categories of stage performances and street theater, Mehr reported on Tuesday. 

The special award will be granted in both categories for the best theatrical work addressing the genocide of the oppressed people of Gaza and the Palestinian resistance front, the report added. 

As per the planned schedule, and considering the short time remaining for the submission of works for the stage theater competition, all theater groups and artists interested in submitting works on the themes of "Genocide of the Oppressed People of Gaza," "Palestinian Resistance Front," and "Martyr of Al-Quds Ismail Haniyeh" can upload their texts or project proposals in the stage theater section until August 21.

Applicants wishing to participate in the street theater section can also upload their concepts and ideas according to the call schedule.

The 19th Resistance International Theater Festival will take place in the fall and winter, under the supervision of Mohammad Kazemtbar, hosting audiences and participating artists in Tehran and various cities across the country.

Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards, who had participated in the swearing-in ceremony of new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, were assassinated in their residence in Tehran last week.

SAB/