Iranian Passion Plays

Q3: How do performance conventions of the Taziyeh reflect or contradict Islamic principles of truth or truthfulness?

     The source of the plays lie not in fact but in the Islamic faith. Taziyeh can be used as a vehicle of education and enlightenment. The writers, however do not have any interest in the historical research and have never been constrained to tell a true story. Thus, it has no value at all as historical evidence. The theme of Taziyeh is a confrontation between good and evil. Taziyeh as a religious play includes a collection of stories dedicated to religious acts. The patterns exists in a uniform way through the saints and devils of confrontation. The Taziyeh has been defined as both a passion play and an indigenous drama. It's traditional function as a religious observance is clear. However, there are aspects which some find unacceptable in this respect. The play entails violent actions, gashing oneself with knives, pricking the arms and cheeks with needles, and various other violent acts. These are all common among some of the demonstrators of Ashura. These were strictly prohibited immediately following a constitutional change. Taziyeh manuscripts and the manner in which the performances are carried out, require careful reconsideration. If this form is to continue to fulfill its role as a didactic drama by seeking to reinforce ideological morality in religion and politics, than the play should modify the violent contradictions within the play.

Submitted by Jenna Quinn