Iranian Children’s Play ‘First Game’ Shines in Iraq During Arbaeen Pilgrimage Celebration

In a remarkable showcase of culture and dedication, the children’s play “First Game”, directed by Meysam Yousofi, is currently captivating audiences during the 9th Arbaeen Pilgrimage International Theater Festival. This festival unfolds along the Arbaeen walk, highlighting the rich tapestry of religious and cultural themes. The performance, produced by the Institute for Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults, is taking place in Iraq, specifically along the pilgrimage route that leads to Karbala.

The origins of “First Game” trace back to 2005, when it was written by Amir Mashhadi Abbas. The play made its debut at the Institute’s Theater and Puppet Center in 2011 and has been performed in subsequent years, including 2016, 2018, and 2023. Currently, this street version is enchanting audiences in Najaf and Karbala.

The cast of “First Game” features talented actors and voice performers, including:

• Qassem Ansari-Shad
• Aryarad Ansari-Shad
• Noushin Sarkoubi
• Mehdi Rahmati
• Behrouz Mehraliyan

This year marks the 20th anniversary of “First Game”, a poignant narrative that centers on a scene where, faced with the absence of actors, a tazieh ensemble improvises a reenactment of the Ashura event at the doorstep of Reza’s house. This leads the young protagonist into a magical realm of storytelling, which serves as a powerful medium for imparting crucial lessons.

Through the lens of this play, children and adolescents are introduced to the heart-wrenching tragedy of Karbala, the significance of standing against oppression, and the core values of freedom and resistance. The educational aspect of “First Game” resonates deeply, making it a vital part of the cultural fabric during the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

The play also had a performance in July at the Golestan Hall of the Institute for Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults in Tehran, further solidifying its cultural impact.

The Arbaeen Pilgrimage International Theater Festival is an annual event that serves as a cultural vow made by ritual theater artists, who participate without any form of payment or compensation. This festival spans eight days, showcasing a rich variety of performance art genres and forms along the pilgrimage route leading to Karbala. It welcomes not only Iranian audiences but also pilgrims from various Arab countries.

Highlights of the festival include:

• Tazieh (Iranian passion play) performances in both Persian and Arabic
• Street theater
• Naqqali (Iranian dramatic storytelling)
• Anthem and poetry readings

The festival goes beyond mere entertainment; it aims to set a cultural trend that encourages Iraqi groups to adopt similar approaches, thereby broadening the initiative’s reach across the region.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Iranians embark on a pilgrimage to the Iraqi city of Karbala to commemorate the holy day of Arbaeen at the revered shrines of Imam Hussein (AS) and his brother, Hazrat Abbas (AS). This year, Arbaeen will be observed on August 14, marking the conclusion of a 40-day mourning period following the martyrdom of the Imam and his devoted companions on Ashura.

The cultural significance of the Arbaeen Pilgrimage International Theater Festival, coupled with the profound themes explored in productions like “First Game”, serves to enrich the spiritual and cultural experience of the pilgrims and the broader community. By fostering a deeper understanding of historical and religious narratives, these performances play a crucial role in preserving the legacy of the Ashura tragedy and its enduring lessons for future generations.

As the festival progresses, the impact of such cultural events continues to resonate, emphasizing the importance of art in shaping societal values and fostering unity among diverse communities.

In conclusion, the Arbaeen Pilgrimage International Theater Festival and plays like “First Game” are not just performances; they are powerful narratives that educate, inspire, and unite people in remembrance of the sacrifices made during the Ashura event. The dedication of artists and the participation of audiences from various backgrounds highlight the enduring significance of these cultural expressions.