1.1 The Second World War and Iran’s Occupation
The early 1940s coincided with one of the most turbulent moments in Iranian history: the Allied occupation of Iran in 1941. Reza Shah Pahlavi, who had attempted to centralize power and modernize the country, was forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Mohammad Reza Shah. The sudden political vacuum and the presence of foreign powers—primarily the British and the Soviets—created a complex political environment.
Political parties, long suppressed under Reza Shah, reemerged. Left-wing, right-wing, and nationalist groups sought to attract members. This plurality extended into cultural fields, where theater quickly became an instrument of ideological persuasion. Plays were staged not only for amusement but also as subtle (and sometimes direct) expressions of political tendencies.
1.2 Illiteracy and Cultural Limitations
At this time, a significant portion of the Iranian population remained illiterate. Books and newspapers, though published, did not reach the majority. Radio, introduced earlier, was not yet widespread, and television would only arrive in Iran decades later. Cinema existed but was still in its infancy; productions were few and often technically weak, unable to satisfy the appetite of urban audiences for cultural and dramatic experiences.
