'Japanese Society for Theatre Research, Comparative Theatre Section'
Abstract
Focusing on Ta'ziyeh (religious mourning) as festival and a form of popular theatre in Iran, this study is a description of Muharram ceremonies in the past and the present time. The early portion of this study is devoted to a brief account of the historical background of Iranian and Arab societies before and at the time of Islam. This portion also examines the tragedy of Kerbela and traces the roots of Ta'ziyeh, its evolution and its interrelation with the rites and rituals of Ancient Iran. The major portion of the study describes the sources of the subject matter of recitation and written Ta'ziyeh plays, their language, music and the organization of the ceremonies. It also surveys the performances as they are performed today and portrays the relationship between the performer and the spectator.California State University, Northridge. Department of Theatre.Includes bibliographical references (pages 119-122
