The Puppet Performance “Zareer”, created, designed and directed by Tehran-Amir Mashadi Abubas, will be performed along the pilgrimage route from Najaf to Karbala at International Mukhabu on Wednesday.
“Zareer” is a puppet show centered around Ashura’s Day narration coordinated for younger viewers.
The initiative is part of a campaign that emphasizes artistic performance, creative activities and direct involvement with children, and is consistent with Irvine taking place in the international Mukebh along the route.
The show is designed in Persian, and the Arabic version is currently preparing to promote bilingual performance if necessary.
“Zareer” reflects a new approach aimed at promoting cultural and artistic outreach from an international perspective, focusing on ongoing activities and expanding the audience of children and adolescents. The production offers a concise yet influential story of Asura’s tragedy, created by a team of professional children’s theatre artists.
In addition to performances, children watching the show will take part in side activities such as paintings, receiving dolls, writing their wishes, and pledges. These activities are designed to enhance the understanding of young audiences of Ashura’s conception of message and provide artistic and spiritual experiences to young pilgrims.
“When it comes to conveying a deep human message to Asura’s children, we cannot overlook the possibilities of the theatre,” Mashhadi Abubas said.
Regarding the name of the show, Mashhadi Abubas explained: “The name “Zareer” comes from an indigenous bird in Iraq. The story is about a bird that departs from Baghdad. Something adorable and unique, similar to the fusion between Iraq and Egyptian birds.
The song was composed by Amirihossein Ansafi, and the poem was by Azadeh Farhadian and Amirihossein Ansafi. Voice actors include Amilhossein Ansafy and Arezu Sadri. The dolls are designed and built by Zahra Moridi and Sara Dabiri and have a consulting company for Najira Nouri-Shad.
The show will take place daily in 6-7 sessions, up to the day before Albain, targeting pilgrims from children of various countries along the route.
Hundreds of thousands of Iranians head out on a journey to the Iraqi city of Karbala to observe the sacred day of Albain at the sacred shrine of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shiite Imam, and his brother, Hazrat Abbas (AS).
Observed on August 14th this year, Albain marks the end of a 40-day mourning period that continued the martial teaching of Asura’s Imam and his loyal companions.
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