Evolution of the Festival
Over the years, the Fajr International Theater Festival has undergone significant transformations. In its early editions, the majority of the showcased productions were newly created specifically for the festival. However, starting from the 24th and 25th editions, there was a shift in approach, with most selected performances having already been staged publicly before being included in the festival. This change was implemented based on the philosophy that the festival should serve as a platform to present the year’s best theatrical productions.
From the 26th edition onward, a hybrid model was introduced, combining both previously performed works and new productions crafted specifically for the festival. This approach allowed for a more comprehensive representation of Iran’s theatrical landscape, offering audiences a mix of seasoned performances and fresh, innovative productions.
The 38th Fajr Theater Festival and Controversies
The 38th edition of the Fajr Theater Festival, held in February 2018, faced significant challenges. A total of 18 shows from the competition section, 16 shows from other performance groups, and more than 10 shows from the guest section withdrew from the festival. This mass withdrawal was in protest against the downing of Ukraine International Airlines flight number 752 and the nationwide protests in Iran in November 2018. The withdrawal of these groups highlighted the intersection of art and political expression within the festival and drew international attention to the event.