Tehran – Tehran Parris Theatre Complex will be holding a group of performers who will showcase Iranian passion play Tazieh from Thursday evening in observing Muharam.
During the Muharram ceremony, millions of Muslims commemorate the martial anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
The group, directed by Morteza Saffarian, begins their 16-night performance at 8pm each night.
The group will perform a diverse repertoire featuring popular Tajies such as “Imam Ali (as) Tajies”, “Shah Shera (as) Tajies”, “Hazrat Muslim (as) Tajies”, and “rurribn riahi tazieh”.
“Imam Ali (as) Tajie” is about the martialism of Imam Ali observed on the 21st day of Ramadan, showing the tragic death of Ali Ibn Abi Talib, respected as Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. Imam Ali, an influential figure in Islamic history, was known for his wisdom, courage and respect.
“Shah Chera (as) Tajie” is about the martial teachings of Hazrat Ahmad Ibn Musa.
However, Qotlogh Khan, the ruler of Fars, is assigned the task of stopping them by Abbasid Caliph Mamun. They are all killed in a fierce battle with the subordinates of the ruler.
“Hazrat Muslims (as) Tajiye depicts the journey of Ibn al-Hashimi (as), an envoy of Imam Hussein (as) in Kufa a few days before leading the 680 Imam and his fellow martyr.
“Hurr Ibn Riahi Tazieh” is about Hurr Ibn Riahi, one of Yazid’s commanders, who joined the army of Imam Hussein (AS) on the eve of Ashura.
“Ali Al Akbar (AS) Tazieh” and “Abbas Ibn Ali (As) Tazieh” are also one of the highlights of the performance.
“Ali Al Akbar (as) Tajiye tells the story of Ali Al Akbar, son of Imam Hussein (AS), who showed unshakable courage and selflessness in the Battle of Karbara, and ultimately gives life while fighting alongside Yazid’s army and family.
“Abbas Ibn Ali (as) Tajiye” refers to Abbas (as), a brother of Imam Hussein (as), who was a key figure in the Battle of Asura, and serves as the commander and standard officer of Imam Hussein (AS) caravan. He was renowned for his virtues, including dignity, courage, generosity, and obedience to the unpopular imam.
In Kalbara, he played an important role as a water supplier for his brother’s army, earning the nickname SAQQA (water supplier). Despite facing challenges, he brought water for Imam Hussein’s family and companions on multiple occasions. On the day of Ashura he once again tried to take water out of the Euphrates, but was shot with a leather pouch and marryed after cutting off his hands by the army of Yazid.
Respected Tazieh performers such as Mohammad Rezai, Mohammad Bakhshinia, Hassan Barekati, Masoud Hejazi Mehr, Mohammadreza Amini, Ahmad Azizi and Hossein Aqiqi will be featured on stage.
Iran’s passionate drama Tajie was added to the UNESCO list of human intangible cultural heritage in November 2010.
Tajie represents religious events, historical and mythical stories, and folk tales. Each performance has four components: poetry, music, song and movement.
However, the story of Imam Hussein (AS) and his fellow uprisings against the oppressive Umayyadh dynasty of 680 A.D. is more highly praised by Tajiye’s group and audience.
Performers are always male, and female roles are played by men. Most of them are amateurs who make a living through other means, but perform for spiritual rewards.
This is a kind of drama depicting the events of Ashura, played on the radios of Iranian music by Mahhur, Chagah and Sur Baghdad.
It is based on the culture of Ashura and the brave war and martialism of Imam Hussein (AS). This is a religious play that dates back to dynamite and bayid in the 9th century. However, Tajie’s performance began in the Safavid period (1501-1736) and flourished during the Kajar period.
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