HAMEDAN-  The 29th edition of Iran’s International Theater Festival for Children and Young Adults came to an end during a ceremony held in Hamedan on Thursday morning, honoring the winners in various sections. 

In the international section of the festival, stage director Sultonov Tavakkal from Uzbekistan received an award in recognition of creativity in direction for his play "Musical Teahouse."

Armenian director Sona Martirosyan was also honored in this section for her play "Traviata Circus". 

Six international groups from Uzbekistan, Armenia, Iraq, Brazil, Turkey, and Russia, as well as special guests from Morocco, attended this edition of the festival.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the event, Amir Mashhadi Abbas, the secratary of the festival expressed hope that officials would foster hope in the hearts of artists by supporting theatrical arts.

Mashhadi Abbas, appreciating the people's magnificent presence at this event, remarked: "We hope the festival has brought joy to the people of Hamedan.”

He emphasized that fostering hope is crucial for transforming children into successful adults, adding: “In the second step of the revolution, hope and optimism are highlighted, which are among the main themes of this festival.”

The festival secretary noted that groups contributed significantly to children's theater with minimal support, expressing hope that officials would invest in the arts to nourish the artists' hopes.

For her part, Nadereh Rezai, the newly-appointed Deputy Culture Minister for Artistic Affairs thanked all the artists and participants for their efforts that, along with the unwavering support from the related organizations, made the festival possible.

She noted that a lot of work has gone into organizing this festival, and Hamedan has witnessed twenty-one festivals so far. She also emphasized the importance of returning eminent figures in theater to enhance the quality of the festival's works.

She identified the return of distinguished artists to the stage as one of her main objectives, noting that some artists have become isolated while others have voluntarily withdrawn, stating that she will strive for their return.

She also highlighted quality enhancement as another significant approach.

Rezai also expressed hope that they could elevate the quality of the works using the experiences of theater veterans, urging media colleagues to monitor this area for more effective programming.

Continuing the program, Seyyed Masoud Hosseini, the Mayor of Hamedan, expressed his delight at hosting the festival in the city and thanked the organizers for bringing joy to Hamedani children and teenagers.

The mayor emphasized that this festival plays a significant role in developing tourism in the province, stating that it has created a platform for tourism.

He pointed to the collaboration with artists and theater veterans throughout the festival, emphasizing that the conclusion of the international festival marks the beginning for them, and a permanent secretariat has been established that must carry out future programs.

He also highlighted the need for more attention to the region's theater halls and infrastructure, advocating for the establishment of a permanent puppet exhibition and a museum for artists' works. He stressed that focusing on cultural planning is essential and urged the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance to enhance the quality of performances.

Recalling the innocent children of Gaza and Lebanon, he wished for peace and friendship for all children around the world.

In the national section of the festival, in the Young Children category, "We All Have One Heart" from Hamedan was crowned Best Play. The production also earned Hamed Torabi the awards for Best Playwright and Best Director.

In the Children section, "Everyday Is Nowruz," directed by Amir Hossein Ensafi from Tehran, was named Best Play, while "Shangoul and Mangoul," by Gharib Manouchehri from Hamedan, received the Best Director award.

In the Young Adults section, "Atropats," by Hossein Asadi from Khark Island, won the Best Play award. The play also secured Asadi the Best Director award.

The 29th Iran’s International Theater Festival for Children and Young Adults was organized by the Dramatic Arts Center of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, supported by Hamedan Municipality and in partnership with the Hamedan province's Cultural and Islamic Guidance Office, as well as the Iranian Dramatic Arts Association.

The event aimed at enhancing unity and companionship, growth, awareness, and the confidence of Iranian children through the medium of theatre as well as achieving social participation of children and adolescents, promoting public culture, strengthening the foundations of family and intergenerational communication, and educating citizens and increasing responsibility through the active participation of Iranian children and adolescents in the production of theatrical works.

With the motto “Theater: Dialogue Without Borders”, the 29th edition of Iran’s International Theater Festival for Children and Young Adults was held from November 1 to 7.

Photo: Armenian stage director Sona Martirosyan is holding her award at the closing ceremony of the 29th edition of Iran’s International Theater Festival for Children and Young Adults in Hamedan on November 7, 2024.

SAB/