Tehran – Iranian director Bels Garibour marks the Mouharram month with the Ashura Opera Puppet Show at Alan Theatre Company at Feldousi Hall in Tehran.
From Sunday, the show, which has been recognized as one of the most well-known and widely acclaimed productions by the Alan Group, will be on stage until August 3rd, the IRNA reported Monday.
The opera is about the battle of Imam Hussein (AS) and his fellow Umayyadh dynasty during Asura, the 10th day of Muharam on the Islamic calendar.
The Ashura Opera Puppet Show is a blend of music, puppet shows, poetry and tajie (play of Iranian passion).
Despite more than 17 years since its debut, the production continues to attract audiences every year, with the recent opera being performed at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow at the “Chekhov” theatre festival, the report added.
It was created in 2008 under the artistic vision of Behrouz Gharibpour, who served as author, researcher, designer and director. The opera features musical compositions by Behzad Abdi, with Vladimir Shirenko conducting the orchestra.
The production involved the National Ukrainian choir and orchestra in collaboration with members of the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, along with mixing and mastering by Hamid Addab.
The cast includes famous artists such as Mohammad Motamedi as hurr, Mutafa Mahmoudi as Mohatasham Kashani, Mehadi Jabal as Yazid, Fashad Huludvand as Omar Ibn Saad, and Mohammad Reza Sadeki as Emami (particularly) as Imyan Abbas, like the Simia Ibn Dai, Ali Haidai and Imyan tribes.
The puppeteers include Nirofal Sasani, Merika Mahadavizadeh, Mohammad Javad Amiri, Gonche Nadgalan, Asar Sadr, Seyed Ilya Koreishi, Zafra Nasrola, Seyed Amir Hossain Milhadi, Mohammad Hossain Haijin Haidari Haidari Haidari Haidari and Nazemi.
Feldousihall is located on Shariar Street off Hafez Avenue, across from Vaudathall.
Ashura is one of the most dramatic and meaningful events in Islamic history. It commemorates the Martianism of the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh), the third Imam, and the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh), who was killed along with 72 faithful companions at the Battle of Karbara in 680. This tragic event represents the ultimate stance against tyranny and injustice as Imam Hussein (AS) and his small group of followers opposed the oppressive Umayyadh dynasty led by Yazid.
Imam Hussein (AS) refused to pledge his loyalty to Yazid, whose rule is considered corrupt and non-Islam. Instead, he chose to support truth, justice and righteousness, even though it meant sacrifice his life. His courage and sacrifice became a symbol of resistance to the oppression of the coming generation.
Ashura has deep cultural and religious significance, especially among Shia Muslims. Every year, on the 10th day of Muharam’s Islamic Month, millions of people around the world commemorate the event with reenactments of the processions and battles. People wear black, recite elegy, and reflect on the values that Imam Hussein stood in. In many cultures, food and water are distributed freely, reminding of the thirst and suffering endured by Imam Hussein and his companions.
sab/