Festival puppets pulling at heartstrings in Tehran
The 19th Tehran-Mobarak International Puppet Festival is currently underway in Iran, drawing attention from puppet show enthusiasts. The event stands out for its well-planned schedule, precise execution, and diverse sections. Lasting for ten days, from June 29 to July 8, the festival offers over 10 shows daily across Tehran’s famous venues like the City Theater Complex, Molavi Hall, Honar Hall, and Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults.
Notably, the outdoor area of the City Theater has witnessed a remarkable turnout, with thousands gathering to see captivating street performances, infusing the complex with an artistic ambiance.
The festival’s inauguration was graced by ambassadors and cultural attachés from six nations at the City Theater and Honar Hall.
Hadi Hejazifar, the festival’s secretary, has announced a groundbreaking development in the theater festival landscape. In a first-of-its-kind move, participating directors will serve as judges, each responsible for voting on 12 other productions. This innovative approach ensures that all directors have the opportunity to watch every show, fostering an exchange of experiences among puppetry enthusiasts.
Hejazifar underscores the significance of festivals as platforms for creating new works, particularly in puppet theater, which faces high costs and limited dedicated venues and support.
This year’s festival boasts a participation of 58 performing groups. Among them are seven productions from Brazil, Georgia, Peru, Mexico, Turkey, and Armenia. Standout entries include ‘Treasure Island’ directed by Fabio Superbi from Brazil and ‘Magic Lamp’ directed by Cengiz Ozek from Turkey.
While discussing the International Section, Hejazifar highlights the festival’s efforts to minimize expenses. Despite encountering setbacks such as a show cancelation and visa issues, the organizers have maintained a diverse range of techniques. However, logistical challenges led to the unfortunate loss of several talented groups.
The puppet festival in Tehran serves as a fertile ground for the growth and advancement of puppetry art, providing a platform for Iranian artists to showcase their talents and creations. Artists express their desire for puppetry to regain its place in theaters beyond children’s entertainment, highlighting its universal language and cultural significance.
Support for puppet shows is crucial due to the high cost of puppet-making tools, and it also contributes to the education of future generations. The festival aims to facilitate roundtable discussions among artists, audiences, and puppets, capturing diverse narratives depicting human conditions. Moreover, it strives to promote harmony and happiness within society.