TEHRAN- Six international groups from Uzbekistan, Armenia, Iraq, Brazil, Turkey, and Russia are set to perform at the 29th edition of Iran’s International Theater Festival for Children and Young Adults, the secretary of the festival announced during a press conference in Tehran on Sunday. 

Despite the inherent challenges of bringing international teams to Iran under current circumstances, we have managed to secure all necessary arrangements, Amir Mashhadi Abbas said. 

The festival has encountered logistical hurdles, including flight delays and transportation issues for the international groups. “We faced challenges such as rising airfare costs and the need to coordinate flights amidst current regional conditions,” he noted.

“Ultimately, with the support of the Dramatic Arts Center and Hamedan Municipality, we successfully navigated these complexities, and the situation for the international segment of the festival is looking promising," he added.

Regarding the participation of international troupes, Mashhadi Abbas explained that the festival typically does not invite foreign works since it enjoys a strong global reputation that diminishes the necessity for such invitations. A crucial consideration is aligning the festival dates with those of other major worldwide events, he remarked.

“We have made every effort to ensure that this year's festival is more successful and of higher quality than its predecessors.”

Concerning the reduction in the number of international works, the festival’s secretary mentioned that factors such as ticket costs, necessary coordination, budgeting, and other considerations play significant roles.

“Given our global standing in children's theater — we ranked among the top 20 last year — we face no shortcomings compared to the international landscape of children's and youth theater.”

“We have made progress, but achieving favorable outcomes will depend on meticulous planning, organizational support, and adequate funding,” he explained.

Even under these circumstances, we have successfully attracted lecturers from various countries with high academic credentials, he added. 

"We also have special programs to honor the children of Gaza. Two performances addressing the situation in Gaza will premiere on opening day, with a special presentation planned for November 4," he stated.

“Our promotional campaigns have addressed this important issue because we believe that children around the world deserve a sense of peace.”

“The festival's motto is ‘Theater: Dialogue Without Borders.’ If many countries can understand this language, the challenges will diminish,” he concluded.

The 29th edition of Iran’s International Theater Festival for Children and Young Adults is scheduled to be held from November 1 to 7. 

SAB/