ABSTRACT
The administration, repertoires and festivals, and women's role in the theatre in Iran is examined. While the Planning and Development Department provides both financial and spiritual support to the playwrights, directors and troupes in order to help more plays to appear on the stage, the Publication Department makes every endeavour to introduce plays and artists from all over the world to the Iranian public. Having eight halls at its disposition in Tehran alone, DAC has been able to provide the opportunity for 61 plays to be staged in Tehran and more than 876 plays in other cities last year. The Fajr Theatre Festival, held annually from 21 January to 4 February, witnessed last year 72 plays from Iran and 10 plays from other countries such as Italy, India, and Germany. It is closely related to Islamic belief, and most appropriately staged on a rather elevated platform, around which the spectators gather to mourn for Imam Hussein.
