Iran to host 16th Mariwan Int’l Street Theater Festival
Iran is set to host the 16th Mariwan International Street Theater Festival from October 3 to 9, marking its return after a one-year break.
Artists from Iran and around the world have been invited to participate in this event, announced Rahman Houshyari, the president of the festival.
Reflecting on the previous year, Houshyari shared, “In late August and early September, we announced the festival’s call for participation, which resulted in an impressive influx of about 170 submissions. These submissions were meticulously assessed and selected across various categories.”
Elaborating on the festival’s structure, Houshyari explained, “This artistic event will encompass six exciting sections: Open, Traditional-Ceremonial, Children and Adolescents, Inclusive (specifically designed for individuals with disabilities), Innovative Performances, and a special section dedicated to Sacrifice and Martyrdom.” Each section’s works have undergone a thorough review and selection process led by a distinguished three-member jury.
Emphasizing a notable feature of this edition, Houshyari expressed that in the international section of the 16th festival, “we have witnessed an extraordinary level of enthusiasm among participating groups, particularly in producing exceptional works exclusively for the prestigious event”.
“We anticipate the presentation of approximately 11 performances from a diverse array of countries including Mexico, Italy, Mongolia, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Afghanistan, Qatar, and Iraq. The detailed names and information of these groups will be announced separately.”
Houshyari stated that this year, his team has extended a special invitation to around 10 festival organizers from various parts of the world to witness the extraordinary works showcased during the event. The aim is to facilitate artistic exchange and introduce remarkable Iranian groups to other countries.
He added, “In recognition of the performance groups that expressed their interest in participating last year, we have decided not to issue a new call for submissions this year. However, in the ‘Festival of Festivals’ section, we will proudly host selected groups from other renowned festivals.”
“Our approach in inviting artists for selection and judging their works has been to include experienced individuals, preferably with academic qualifications, while also maintaining a youth-oriented perspective to ensure a fresh and vibrant artistic atmosphere.”
Concluding his remarks, Houshyari underlined, “Mariwan, though a small city nested in the westernmost part of the country, may not possess the same scale of facilities, equipment, and executive infrastructure as other cities. Nevertheless, the people and festival organizers, fueled by their love and enthusiasm for this extraordinary artistic event and their commitment to hosting outstanding performance groups, spare no effort each year to provide the best possible cultural, artistic, and tourism environment for its resounding success.”