Zabihi: Street Theater Has a Mission to Raise Awareness in Difficult Times

Tabriz – Director of the street play “Silent Whisper,” stressing the social role of art, said that even in difficult conditions, street theater must fulfill its cultural and social responsibility by raising awareness and maintaining its connection with the public.

Saeed Zabihi, the director, writer and actor of the street show "Silent Whisper" from Kermanshah, in an interview with Mehr reporter, on the sidelines of the 7th National Street Theater Festival in Tabrizim, considered this event to be one of the country's successful festivals in the field of street theater and emphasized the need for the support of various institutions to continue holding it.

Referring to his experience of attending Tabrizm festival in the past, he said: This festival has a significant place among street theater events in the country, and I hope that all institutions and groups that are concerned about the progress and upliftment of Tabriz will participate in supporting it and do their part for the city and the country.

Zabihi stated that the continuation of such events helps to provide opportunities for the activities of performing groups, and added: Art festivals are a platform for the presence of artists from different cities, presenting works and direct communication with the audience, and supporting them can provide the context for the continuation of cultural and performing activities.

Street theater continues even in difficult conditions

Referring to the ups and downs of street theater activity, this artist said: Activists in this field have faced difficult conditions in different periods, but they have tried to maintain their connection with art and audiences. Even during the Corona epidemic, our activities did not stop completely, and in those conditions, we performed short shows.

He continued: The experience of that time showed that theater groups can change their activity method according to the existing conditions and continue performing artistic programs as much as possible.

Referring to the role of cultural institutions in supporting these activities, Zabihi pointed out that the support of groups such as the cultural, social and sports organization of Tabriz municipality is important in providing a platform for performing street shows, and the continuation of these supports can help the activities of artistic groups.

Emphasizing that difficult conditions should not cause artists to forget their social responsibility, he added: Even today, in war conditions, street theater can continue its mission towards the society. We, who work in the field of art and theater, have a responsibility and we must try to fulfill it.

social vitality and awareness; Two functions of street theater

Referring to the social role of art, the director of the "Silent Whisper" show stated: On the one hand, theater can help create social vitality, and on the other hand, it has the task of raising awareness. These two functions are important together; Because art, in addition to creating opportunities for communication and social interaction, can also convey the issues and topics of the day to the audience.

He added: We have not stopped on this path and we do not intend to abandon our activity. Because we believe that art can communicate with people even in difficult situations and play a role in increasing society's awareness.

Zabihi stated that artists should pay attention to the conditions of the society in choosing topics and producing their works, and stated: The theater's connection with the people becomes meaningful when the theatrical works can address the concerns of the society and, in addition to the artistic aspects, confront the audience with important human and social issues.

According to him, street theater provides the possibility of direct communication with people due to its performance in public spaces and can convey the concepts desired by the artist to the audience in urban environments.

"Silent Whisper"; A narrative of Palestine and the issue of world peace

Zabihi, explaining the theme of the "Silent Whisper" show, said: This work deals with the oppression that is imposed on the people of the region and the world community in connection with Israel's actions and the Palestinian issue. An issue whose consequences can affect global peace and security.

Emphasizing the capacity of theater to address the issues of the day, he added: Artists can use theatrical tools to present issues that are related to people's lives and society's conditions. Addressing these issues is part of the social responsibility of art and can provide the context for the audience to pay more attention to surrounding events.

Referring to the responsibility of theater activists towards the society, this artist pointed out: Our duty is to use the capacity of art and drama to inform people about the issues of the day and not to let the cultural and social mission of art be forgotten under any circumstances.

The need to support Tabrizim street theater festival

In another part of his speech, the director, writer and actor of "Silent Whisper" emphasized the necessity of the participation of various institutions in supporting the Tabrizim festival and said: "For the continuation and strengthening of such events, it is important to accompany groups that are interested in the cultural development of the city."

Referring to the presence of artists from different parts of the country in this festival, he added: holding national events can provide an opportunity to present works, exchange experience and expand communication between performing groups. Supporting these capacities increases the possibility of continuing the activities of artists and their greater communication with the audience.