TEHRAN- The 29th edition of Iran’s International Theater Festival for Children and Young Adults opened in Hamedan on Friday, welcoming one of the most prominent theatrical events in the country.

The opening ceremony was attended by several distinguished Iranian artists in the field of children’s theatre, cultural officials, high-ranking representatives from Hamadan province, and foreign participants of the event.

Among the esteemed artists present were Reza Babak, Alireza Khamseh, Majid Qanad, Amin Zendegani, Maryam Motaref, Mohammad Javad Kaboudarahangi, Soroush Jamshidi, Fariba Daliri, and Giti Qasemi, along with participating groups from the International Theatre section.

Speaking at the ceremony Masoud Vijeh, the Director General of Culture and Islamic Guidance in Hamadan stated that Hamadan, the capital of the history and civilization of Iran, is a center of cultural values. 

“The city boasts numerous literary figures, and the true treasures of this city are its children.”

He continued: “This festival returns to Hamadan after a year’s absence, and this outcome is the result of the heartfelt cooperation of provincial officials, which has brought joy to the children of Hamadan.”

He also condemned the atrocities committed by the Zionist regime in recent months, which have led to the martyrdom of innocent children in Gaza, stating: “Children in Gaza and Lebanon dream of peace returning to their lands. It is vital that we honor the memory of the martyrs and safeguard the security we enjoy in our country. We hope that the children of Iran remain joyful in remembrance of the precious blood of the martyrs who achieved martyrdom for the peace of the people of Iran.”

For his part the festival’s secretary Amir Mashhadi Abbas expressed gratitude to the wonderful audience of Hamadan, stating: “I thank the people of Hamadan, who are the best audience in the world.”

While providing a report on this year’s festival, he stated that 59 performances will take place during the event, including six performances from six different countries.

Hamedan province's Governor-General Hamid Molanouri, in another part of the program, expressed his gratitude to the city of Hamadan and its officials, asserting that the opening ceremony was splendid and beautiful. He acknowledged the warm reception the citizens of Hamadan have for cultural programs.

He emphasized: “We need programs that inject enthusiasm and joy into the community, particularly for children and young adults; however, alongside this must come education, as we all know that nothing conveys concepts better than art. In this regard, theatre establishes a dialogue and connection with itself and its audience.”

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

The event aims 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 will run until November 7. 

SAB/