Iranian Performance Traditions

In this book anthropologist William O. Beeman presents the rich tapestry of Iranian traditional performance traditions traditions that have cultural roots dating many centuries before Western contact.Readers who are unfamiliar with Iranian culture may be surprised to discover that Iran has any significant performance traditions at all. In fact, as readers will discover, Iranian performance traditions strike deep to the roots of Iranian culture, and reveal truths about Iran that are profound and fascinating.These performance traditions, including the epic drama, ta ziyeh and the comic improvisatory ruhozi, have continued down to the present. They are aesthetically complex, subtle and uniquely reflective of Iranian culture and thought, enriching all Iranian cultural expression, including literature, art, architecture and film.In the years since the Iranian Revolution of 1978-79, some people have worried that these traditions, which have been a venerable part of Iranian life for many centuries may disappear. Though there has been a reduction of traditional performance in some areas, much has still remained under the Islamic Republic.These performance traditions remain an exceptionally powerful part of Iranian life. Even highly Westernized individuals appreciate them and watch them regularly. They remain an essential part of Iranian cultural heritage, and a key element in Iranian identity. Moreover, their strength extends to the rest of the Persianate world in Iraq, Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond. They also affect the Shi`a world in Arab speaking regions such as Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, India and Pakistan.Professor Beeman shows the close association between the symbolism and structure of these performance forms with Iranian core culture. He argues in anthropological terms that this close association remains one of the most important reasons these traditions should be studied and revered. He also maintains that Iranian performance constitutes an assemblage of profoundly important aesthetic institutions worthy of the most elevated attention among the cultural expressions of the world.ven for those who do not have a primary interest in Iran, this book will reveal a fascinating world of performative art that has engaged and inspired all who have experienced it.