Iranian Play Macbeth of Zar Wins Prestigious Prize at International Theatre Festival
In a groundbreaking achievement, the Iranian play Macbeth of Zar has been awarded the top prize at an international theatre festival held in Baghdad, Iraq. The play, produced by the Titovak Theater Troupe, impressed the jury and garnered recognition not only for its exceptional direction but also for the outstanding performances by the actors and actresses. This marks the first time in the history of the festival that such an accolade has been granted to a play.
The festival, which took place from October 10 to 17, showcased theatrical works from 24 countries, including Iraq, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Oman, Italy, France, Belgium, and Germany. Among these diverse productions, Macbeth of Zar stood out for its unique blend of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy with the traditional Zar rite performed in southern Iran.
Macbeth, one of Shakespeare’s most renowned plays, delves into the depths of a man’s conscience and the turmoil caused by guilt. It explores themes of reality versus illusion, the supernatural, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked power. On the other hand, Zar is a musical rite with deep roots in southern Iran, originally performed by African slaves as an outlet for their energy and to endure their bondage during the week. Over time, the performance became embraced by the wider community and eventually fused with other cultural influences.
In Macbeth of Zar, the Scottish general Macbeth commits a crime to become a leader in the Ahl-e Hava group, which performs the Zar rite. The play’s cast includes talented actors such as Shahrooz Delafkar, Gata Abedi, Yashar Naderi, Shobair Parastar, Saeed Borjali, Fahime Mousavi, Sahar Abdolmaleki, Matin Makari, Ali Dolatyar, and Saber Rezaei.
This remarkable production has already gained international recognition, having been showcased in Tehran and invited to the International Theatre Festival Rainbow in St. Petersburg, Russia, where it also received acclaim and a trophy. Its success at these prestigious events highlights the exceptional talent and creativity of the Iranian theatre scene.
The triumph of Macbeth of Zar serves as a testament to the power of cross-cultural fusion in the arts and the ability of theatre to transcend boundaries. The play’s stellar performances, coupled with its merging of Shakespearean tragedy with traditional Iranian rituals, captivated the festival’s audience and left a lasting impact on the jury. The recognition garnered by this Iranian production further showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage and its contribution to the global theatre community.
As the world recognizes the brilliance of Macbeth of Zar, it is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all those involved in its creation. This groundbreaking play has successfully put Iran on the international theatre map and opened doors for future artistic collaborations, bridging gaps between different cultures and enriching the global theatre landscape.
