TEHRAN (IFP) Islamic passion plays, known as Ta’zieh in Iran, are dramatic performances which depict battles between good and evil characters, who are clearly distinguished by wearing costumes with distinct, and meaningful, colours.
Ta’zieh (Islamic passion play) is inspired by ancient Iranian theatricals which display scenes of courage, bravery and epic battles between good and evil. Good and evil are clearly distinguished in Ta’zieh by using costumes with distinct colours.
The recurring theme in most traditional Iranian performances has been the standoff between good and evil. Western plays, too, basically display the confrontation between the protagonist and antagonist where the two seek to win over or neutralize their opponent.
With the emergence of Islam in Iran, the Ta’zieh began to take shape as a form of performance that narrates stories of infallible Imams, including the great battle of Ashura. The elements presented in the Ta’zieh are a manifestation of the faceoff between good and evil.
Arbitrary symbols were developed in different forms and shapes in the Ta’zieh in order to distinguish good and evil. One of the most important distinguishing features were the stories narrated as they were uttered differently for the antagonist and protagonist in order to distinguish good and evil.
The narrator for the "good” front also known and protagonist narrates the story in a musical performance. However, the narrator for the "evil” front narrates the story in a harsh, unpleasant voice.