ABSTRACT
T h e Ta'ziya which literally translated means “ Consolation,” was-and still is-the Persian version of the Mysteries or Pas sion play in Christian Europe of the Middle Ages, revived in twentieth-century Europe and America12. With the possible exception of the ancient Egyptian Mysteries, this seems to be the first Passion play in the Orient13. One should bear in mind, however, that the Ta'ziya shows hardly any resemblance to the Catholic theatrical performances, in either spirit or form. It is more likely a remnant of religious practices from Zoroastrian Persia, strangled by victorious Islam14.
