Tehran – The Ministry of Culture and the Arts Affairs Division of Islamic Guidance have launched a special cultural programme entitled “Hai Mehongr” (“Tent of Art”) at Rudaki Open Air Theatre in Tehran.
The event, which began on Friday, aims to honor Muharam’s sacred month and the martialism (AS) of Imam Hussein, Isna reported.
This comprehensive gathering aims to integrate artists and enthusiasts from a wide range of fields, including music, performing arts and visual arts.
The Ashura event is one of the most dramatic historic events. Martianism (AS) of Imam Hussein, third Imam, marked with the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) and his 72 faithful companions.
The programme is scheduled to run until July 6 (according to the 10th day of Muharam’s Asura Day), and runs daily from 6:30pm to 10pm, coinciding with Muharam’s first 10 nights, and is deeply rooted in the mourning and reflection of Muslims around the world.
The “artistic tent” is designed to serve as a vibrant platform for cultural expression, spiritual reflection and community engagement.
The event will feature a diverse lineup of performances and exhibitions that highlight themes of sacrifice, faith and resistance associated with Imam Hussein (AS) martialism. The programme includes traditional and contemporary musical performances, Tajiye performances, traditional Iranian passionate theatre, visual arts exhibitions, poetry recitals and storytelling sessions.
On the first day, a special performance was held by famous pop singer Mostafa Ragheb. He is known for his soulful productions and patriotic songs. His participation highlights the program’s comprehensive approach and fills popular music with religious themes to reach a larger audience.
This was followed by the event, a performance of Tajie dedicated to Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad. Poet and researcher Amir Martzban also gave poetic readings, adding a literary dimension to the evening. Lagev then performed a selection of his heartfelt songs, accompanied by an ensemble of wind instruments evoking the spiritual and emotional depth of the ritual of mourning.
Throughout the 10 days, “Art Tent” will showcase a variety of performances and exhibitions, including 10 Tajie performances with renowned performers. These performances are intended to clearly portray the sacrifice of martyrs and to enhance audience understanding of the historical and spiritual importance of Kalbala. Additionally, the program features both traditional and contemporary compliments delivered by experienced readers and well-known singers, ensuring that the message of mourning and memory resonates across generations.
The doll opera entitled “Ashura,” directed by acclaimed artist Behrouz Gharibpour, will be performed at Hafez Hall. This innovative theatrical production uses puppet theater and artistry to portray the epic of Kalbara, providing a unique and engaging perspective on this important event. Complementing these performances, visual art exhibitions curated by leading artists and scholars will explore themes of sacrifice, martialism and spiritual resilience, enriching the visitor’s cultural experience.
A poetry session featuring renowned Iranian poets will also be held, inspired by the tragedy of Kalbara, and develop a reflective, poetic atmosphere. Music performances highlighting traditional instruments such as Tar, Tombak and Ney highlight the rich musical heritage associated with Muharram’s rituals.
sab/