The Simurgh Scroll: A Theatrical Reinterpretation of Attar’s “Mantegh-ol Tayr”
The musical theatre production Simorgh-Nameh: A Theatrical Reinterpretation of Attar’s Mantiq al-Tayr, held with the moral support of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, was staged at Niavaran Cultural Center from 17 to 21 July 2025. The special performance was attended by Dr. Hasan Fartousi, Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, and his accompanying delegation, with Maestro Hossein Alizadeh as the special guest. Based on Mantiq al-Tayr by Attar of Nishapur, The Simorgh-Nameh combines performing arts and orchestral music to convey profound ethical and mystical concepts to the younger generation. |
The theatrical production Simorgh-Nameh, presented with the moral support of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, is a work of theatre for children and young people based on Attar of Nishapur’s book Mantiq al-Tayr (The Conference of the Birds). It seeks to introduce Iranian cultural and mystical concepts while familiarizing the younger generation with the importance of cultural identity.
The play explores the profound mystical concepts presented in Attar’s Mantiq al-Tayr, particularly the Seven Valleys of Love, which represent the stages of the spiritual journey undertaken by the seeker (salek elā Allah, one who journeys towards God). These seven valleys are the Valley of Quest, the Valley of Love, the Valley of Knowledge, the Valley of Detachment, the Valley of Unity, the Valley of Wonderment, and the Valley of Poverty and Annihilation. Each valley represents a stage of spiritual elevation and drawing closer to God. Through the artistic performances of children and young people, Simorgh-Nameh seeks to portray this spiritual journey.
Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO Attends the Performance, Emphasizing the Importance of Theatre for Children and Young People
Dr. Hasan Fartousi, Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, attended the Simorgh-Nameh performance as a special guest, accompanied by his delegation. His presence reflects UNESCO’s and the artistic community’s recognition of the importance of theatre for children and young people. With UNESCO’s moral support, Simorgh-Nameh provides a valuable opportunity to introduce and promote cultural and ethical concepts among the younger generation.
Simorgh-Nameh: An Artistic and Educational Experience for Children and Young People
Simorgh-Nameh combines theatre, orchestral music and movement design to convey mystical and ethical concepts to children and young people. Based on the story of Mantiq al-Tayr by Attar of Nishapur, the production draws on Iran’s native birds to introduce the younger generation to the country’s ethical, mystical and cultural concepts through a contemporary artistic language.
In addition to teaching ethical concepts, the production nurtures children’s artistic talents and provides opportunities for their growth and development.
Created by Maryam Sharifzadeh and produced by Reza Fathollahi-Pour, Simorgh-Nameh exemplifies the connection between the performing arts and cultural and educational objectives. It can be regarded as an important initiative to promote culture, education and peace through art, with the potential to have a positive impact on future generations.
It is worth noting that a group of artists and specialists from various fields of performing arts, music and stage design contributed to the production and staging of the play. They include:
Cast: Raha Afzali, Radin Boroujerdi, Ramdad Farahanipour, Barbad Farahanipour, Baran Boudinda, Taha Moghim, Tirdad Abdollahi, Reyhaneh Abdollahi, Barana Abidi, Rozita Ghadeji, Reyhaneh Hatem-Mahmoudi and Mahsa Rezaeipour.
Performers: Camellia Rezaei-Movahed, Hila Feizi, Mahsa Zargarnajhad, Mania Chaychi, Mahsa Sami Pour, Rayan Heidari, Tina Amini, Nika Nikandish, Yasaman Zahra Roozbehani, Celine Sotoodeh, Ghazal Aghdaei, Mehرا Badaghi, Mahoor Badaghi, Liana Rostami, Diana Esmaeilian and Barana Mohammadi-Sarband.
Movement: Yeganeh Niazpour, designer; Camellia Rezaei-Movahed, assistant movement director.
Musicians and Sound Team: Mohsen Abdoli, Ansiya Sheikhi, Atena Mehraban, the Ilbeigi brothers, Kiarash Eslami, Sofia Latifi, Sadaf Mirghashmi, Ali Jafari-Pouyan, Parham Abbasi, Sasan Haghighi, Reza Fathollahi-Pour, Nima Natoui and Hami Haghighi.
Percussion and Viuna Group Supervisor: Negar Etemadi.
