North Khorasan’s Potential in Dramatic Literature/ The Capability of the Province’s Playwrights in Creating Rich Texts

IBNA (Iran Book News Agency) Provincial Services: The North Khorasan Theater Festival has, in recent years, reached a position where it can be considered one of the most important artistic events in the province; an event that is not only a showcase for the capabilities of prominent local artists but also a forum for the exchange of ideas, professional critique, and the formation of new trends in the performing arts.

This year, the 20th edition of this festival, with the presence of writers, actors, judges, and theatrical groups from across the province, once again demonstrated that theater in North Khorasan is alive and continues its growth powerfully.

The world is thirsty for Iranian-Islamic literature and narratives

Reza Mardani, Director General of the Performing Arts Office of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, at the closing ceremony of the 20th North Khorasan Theater Festival, emphasized the necessity of producing plays rooted in Iranian-Islamic culture, stating: “The world needs literature and art originating from the authenticities of this land.”

Referring to the cultural capacities of this region, he continued: “North Khorasan, due to its ethnic diversity, houses a rich treasure trove of Iran’s cultural heritage.”

Mardani added: “Within this treasure trove of cultures, the valuable gem of performing arts is embedded, which holds a special and recognized place in this province due to the diversity of languages, customs, and local traditions.”

The Director General of the Performing Arts Office stressed: “Many theatrical works and masterpieces can, by relying on this ethnic diversity and indigenous roots, be introduced on the global stage and present the true image of Iranian art to transnational audiences.”

Mardani, explaining the extensive capacities of the province’s cities in the field of theater, asserted: “Adapting theatrical activities to strategies for preserving and strengthening cultural authenticity is an unavoidable necessity and can pave the way for the artistic development of the province.”

Finally, addressing the artists, writers, and playwrights of the province, he said: “Today, more than ever, the world needs literature and art stemming from Iranian and Islamic culture, and the production of deep, impactful, and literary-based Iranian-Islamic plays can strengthen North Khorasan’s role in the global cultural movement.”

Writers and Playwrights of North Khorasan Have Shown Strong and Professional Performance in Text Production

Shohreh Soltani, a judge at the 20th North Khorasan Provincial Theater Festival, also stated: “North Khorasan theater performs very richly in content, and according to evaluations, active artists in the cities, despite their efforts and abilities, have been less seen.”

She added: “North Khorasan, with its hardworking and unique actors, has the ability to play an effective role in the country’s theater scene, but this valuable potential has not yet received the attention it deserves.”

Soltani, referring to the quality of the works presented during the two days of the festival, continued: “The stage performances were at a satisfactory level in terms of content and appeal, indicating that the province’s writers and actors have a serious interest and perseverance in this art.”

Soltani considered the strength of theatrical texts produced by the province’s artists as the most important feature of the festival and emphasized: “North Khorasan theater writers have performed very strongly in terms of text structure, story development, and theme in creative ideation, and this issue has significantly enhanced the overall quality of the works.”

She asserted: “The capability of local writers and playwrights in producing cohesive and thought-provoking works is one of the most important assets of North Khorasan theater and can pave the way for a broader presence of provincial groups in national and higher-level events.”

Soltani concluded: “North Khorasan actors and theatrical groups need to perform their works in major cities, including Tehran, so that art enthusiasts and specialists can become more familiar with the theatrical capacities of this province.”

Continuity of Cultural Events is a Launchpad for North Khorasan Theater

Mohammad Mehdi Shahriyari, representative of Bojnourd people in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, at the closing ceremony of the 20th North Khorasan Theater Festival, emphasized the importance of continuing cultural and literary activities in the province: “Holding such events not only contributes to the growth and development of performing arts but also strengthens the position of North Khorasan artists in the national arena and creates new horizons for them.”

Referring to the significant capacities of the province in the fields of theater and cinema, he added: “The active and influential presence of artists on the country’s major stages can pave the way for indigenous talents to be seen and for the introduction of valuable works from this region at national and international levels. Cohesive planning and strengthening cultural infrastructures are necessary conditions for North Khorasan to become one of the hubs of performing arts in the country.”

Shahriyari stated that the artists and renowned figures of this province have shone in many artistic fields in recent years, saying: “North Khorasan’s capacity to produce prominent and influential works, especially in the field of theater, is reliable and definable and requires strategic support from cultural managers.”

Committed Artists Are the Province’s Main Capital

Taher Rostami, Deputy Political, Security, and Social Governor of North Khorasan, at the ceremony, referring to the rich and potential capacities of North Khorasan in the field of performing arts, stated: “A positive and growing wave has formed in the province’s theater that can revolutionize the cultural future of North Khorasan.”

Emphasizing the importance of cultural infrastructures, he added: “What brings pride to the province is not its buildings and equipment, but its valuable human capital and committed artists who, with their ideas and perseverance, drive the cultural movement of the province. Strengthening these assets will pave the way for the cultural and social development of North Khorasan.”

Rostami, referring to the influential role of art in confronting social harms, stated: “Expressing social issues through the language of art leaves a more lasting and profound impact on society and can provide a platform for behavioral change and the enhancement of public culture.”

He asserted: “The language of art has a special power in expressing truth, clarifying realities, and creating solidarity, and proper use of this capacity can strengthen social cohesion and awareness in the province and provide the groundwork for the formation of a dynamic, united, and culture-oriented society.”

Prominent Judges Provided a New Opportunity for the Advancement of North Khorasan Theater

Mehdi Arian, Director General of Culture and Islamic Guidance of North Khorasan, at this ceremony, referring to the presence of prominent judges in this edition of the festival, stated that this presence has been a valuable opportunity for exchanging experiences, learning, and strengthening the professional outlook of the province’s artists.

He added: “Artists’ encounter with specialized critiques and new perspectives prepares them for a more powerful entry into the country’s theater scene.”

Finally, he thanked the guests, executive bodies, and all organizations that collaborated in holding this event and expressed hope that the path of growth for performing arts in the province would continue with the synergy of cultural and artistic complexes.