TEHRAN -- Sangelaj Hall, which recalls part of the contemporary history of Iranian theater, celebrated its 50th anniversary on Thursday.

The celebration was part of the programs arranged for the opening ceremony of the 34th Fajr International Theater Festival.

The celebration began with the lighting of a candle by veteran actress Roya Afshar clad in traditional Iranian attire. She also received a Sangelaj Tile for her lifetime achievements.

The ceremony went on with the screening of a video, in which veteran actors Ezzatollah Entezami and Mohammad-Ali Keshavarz, who had performed plays repeatedly at the theater, spoke about the history of the hall that was registered on Iran’s National Heritage List in 2008.

The audience also saw another video showing Deputy Culture Minister for Artistic Affairs Ali Moradkhani, who said, “We should be proud of this hall, because many of our veteran stage artists have lots of bittersweet memories of their performances at this theater.”

The organizers of the celebration, which was hosted by Mansur Zabetian, also honored Atabak Naderi who served as the director of the hall from 2006 to 2012.

Naderi received a prize and, with a voice full of emotion, said, “Over these years, I couldn’t see my little son grow and listen to his childhood songs, so I dedicate this prize to my son and my wife.”

Afterwards, the 34th Fajr International Theater Festival announced winners in the Photo Section, the Poster and Visual Identity Section and the Play Writing Section.

The ceremony came to an end with cutting a cake for the 50th anniversary of Sangelaj Hall by veteran actor Saeid Pursamimi.

Photo: This photo shows actor Saeid Pursamimi moments before cutting cakes for the opening ceremony of the 34th Fajr International Theater Festival and the 50th anniversary of Sangelaj Hall on January 21, 2016. (IRNA/Mehdi Qorbani)

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