Iranian passion play moves Brussels audience with tale of Karbala
An Iranian troupe performed the traditional Shia passion play of Ta’zieh in Brussels, drawing a mixed crowd of European spectators and Shia residents.
The Brussels performance marked the third European stop this summer for the “Imam-e-Raouf” ensemble, following shows in Sweden and Norway, according to Iranian state-backed Mehr News Agency.
The group, led by producer Mohammad Javaheri and featuring artists including Hassan Gol-Khatami and Mojtaba Hassanbeigi, aims to bring the centuries-old ritual drama of Ashura to a wider global audience.
Rooted in the story of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein in 680 AD, Ta’zieh blends poetry, music, and costume to recount themes of justice, sacrifice, and resistance. The performance’s “universal message” and visual resemblance to both Greek tragedy and medieval European religious plays have helped it resonate with Western audiences, organizers said.
UNESCO recognized Ta’zieh as intangible cultural heritage in 2010, boosting international exposure. Since then, the Imam-e-Raouf troupe has staged performances in countries across Europe, including Spain, Denmark, and Hungary, especially during the Shia mourning months of Muharram and Safar.
“This is not just a religious ceremony,” said one of the performers. “It’s a human story of oppression and courage.” Audience members—many with no prior exposure to Shia rituals—reportedly reacted with tears and silence, as the dramatic reenactment unfolded.
The group plans upcoming performances in Paris and Frankfurt, continuing its European tour. The strong turnout in Brussels, including non-Iranian viewers, suggests the cross-cultural pull of a tradition once confined to village squares and shrines in Iran.