KHAYYAM: Marionette Opera at Ferdowsi Hall
Tehran, Iran – July 16 to August 6, 2017 | Ferdowsi Hallا
In the summer of 2017, Tehran’s Ferdowsi Hall reopened with the premiere of “KHAYYAM,” a monumental marionette opera directed by the esteemed Behrouz Gharibpour. This production, the eighth by the Aran Puppet Theater Group, delved into the life and philosophies of Omar Khayyam, the renowned Persian polymath. The opera aimed to present a multifaceted portrayal of Khayyam, emphasizing his contributions to science and philosophy beyond the commonly known poetic works. Art
The technical aspects of the performance were significantly enhanced by the collaborative efforts of sound artist Sina Shoaie and visual programmer Arman Moghadam. Their integration of spatial audio and interactive visual projections transformed the traditional puppet stage into an immersive experience. Honey Hosseiny, as the interactive and tech director, played a pivotal role in upgrading Ferdowsi Hall’s infrastructure, facilitating advanced video mapping on the ceiling and implementing a surround sound system.
The musical composition by Amir Behzad, conducted by Farnush Behzad, incorporated both Iranian modal systems and international musical notations, reflecting Khayyam’s universal appeal. The inclusion of 17 vocalists, including Mohammad Motamedi, added depth to the performance, with poems recited in multiple languages such as English, French, German, and Kurdish. Iran
“KHAYYAM” stood as a testament to the fusion of traditional puppetry with contemporary technology, offering audiences a rich, sensory experience that honored the legacy of one of Iran’s most influential figures.
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Director & Librettist: Behrouz Gharibpour
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Sound Design & Engineering: Sina Shoaie
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Creative Visual Programming: Arman Moghadam
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Interactive & Tech Director: Honey Hosseiny
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Composer: Amir Behzad
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Conductor: Farnush Behzad
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Lead Vocalist: Mohammad Motamediا