Iranian Performance Traditions - 9781568592169

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 familiar with Iranian culture may be surprised to discover that Iran has any significant performance traditions at all. In fact, as readers will discover, Iran's rich performance traditions strike deep to roots of Iranian culture, and reveal truths about Iran that are profound and fascinating.

These beautiful performance traditions have continued down to the present. They are aesthetically complex, subtle and uniquely reflective of Iranian culture and though enriching all Iranian cultural expression, including literature, art, architecture and film.

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 Islamic world in Arabic, Turkish and Urdu 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. Even 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.