Tehran Times Art Desk

TEHRAN -- Researcher and artist from the Netherlands, Neil Vander Linden, is convinced that the Iranian opera puppet show "Rustam and Sohrab" is an interesting and unique event in the art of puppet theater.

A scene from "Rustam and Sohrab"

Vander Linden who is currently holding a workshop during the 12th Mobarak International Puppet Theater Festival, held his first session on August 10 and introduced several kinds of puppets from the Middle East.

"Rustam and Sohrab" by director Behruz Gharibpur has made a great impression on the audience and I believe if actors were to perform instead of the puppets, they would not make as great of an impression," he said.

He went on to say, "Many dramatics event happen in the this show and if it would be performed in Europe, I am convinced that it would reflect favorably on Iran's traditional theater."

Later, he screened several scenes from Chinese puppet shows and continued, "There are two different types of puppet shows in China and both are even taught in the schools."

"The Vietnamese artists have developed their traditional shows in the setting of rice fields due to the rainy climate of the region. They have made use of their geography in the best way possible and one of their famous shows even takes place on water," Vander Linden explained.

 
12th Tehran International Puppet Theatre Festival
 

Afterwards, he talked about the puppet shows of Indonesia, adding, "Indonesia is a Muslim country that has been able to find a good relationship between religion and puppet theater. The shadow puppet of Indonesia is quite famous and sometimes begins at 6pm and continues till sun rise."

At the end, he displayed several examples of puppets from his country and said, "The government of the Netherlands is one of major supporters of puppet theater performances and provides adequate support to the artists. Professional artists receive permanent subsidies from the government."

The session ended with screening several scenes from Dutch artists' puppets shows.

The festival opened on Saturday August 9, and the City Theater Complex, Sangalaj Hall, as well as Honar and Ferdowsi halls will play host to the plays through August 16.

... Payvand News - 08/13/08 ... --