Dramatic Arts
There is no theatrical tradition in Classical Persian literature, where drama finds expression through other literary forms, but a popular religious theatre offering comparison with the European passion-plays, has existed for several centuries. There has been a recent revival of interest in this kind of theatre known as Ta'zieh.
Western-type theatre has developed quite recently. At first the drama staged were translations from European works, but young Iranian writers were becoming interested in the theatre with very promising results.
A national theatre group wasformed by the Ministry of Culture and Arts, and there were also several private; groups, some concentrating on modern classical lines, others experimenting with the avant-garde. Tehran University had a flourishing drama department, with more applications from would-be students than it could handle. Several new theatres were being built in Tehran, and the Ministry of Culture and Arts sent instructors to assist local drama groups in the provinces.
The opening in 1967 of the Rudaki Hall in Tehran gave new encouragement to opera and ballet lovers. At this modern opera-house there were regular performances by the newly formed national opera and ballet groups, as well as visits from internationally known artists.
The Shiraz Festival of Arts, lasted 18 years, and gave great impetus to the dramatic arts. It was becoming increasingly known as a meeting-place for directors, actors, critics and all who were interested in the dramatic arts.
One of the most exciting develoments in the field of the performing arts was the establishment of a chain of "urban houses of culture and arts." These cultural centres, incorporating the best of Western technology and Iranian design, were becoming forums for theatrical and musical activity throughout the country. The Ministry of Culture and Arts was giving priority in establishing these centres to small towns which had almost no suitable facilities for cultural exression.
There were also plans for a major cultural complex in the new Shahrestan Pahlavi urban development in north-central Tehran. It would have been one of the most ambitious projects of its type ever attempted, combining in one location half a dozen specialized auditoria, the national library and several museums.
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