Pardehdari

Pardeh-khani

Narrating a story with pictures

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Pardehdari is a kind of Naghali (story-telling)which is performed mostly in the streets and in mobile form.There is a hanging piece of cloth on which some scenes of a story are printed. The pardehdar (story-teller)narrates the story with a demonstration of the scenes. This kind of narration is used for epics as well as religious stories.

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Reasons for selection

Pardehdari is a kind of traditional play in Iran. Pardehdari is unique in forms of story narration based on pictures.

Area where performed

Eastern and central Iran

Essential elements of the performing art

Narration

Detailed explanation

Pardehdari or Shamayel-gardani is a kind of Naghali (story-telling)in which there is a hanging piece of cloth on which some scenes of a story are painted. The pardehdar (story-teller)narrates the story in a special tone. This kind of narration mostly deals with epics as well as religious stories. It is also regarded as an introduction to Ta'zieh. Pardehdari survives and there are many people in Iran dealing with Pardehdari.

Publication and textual documentation

no information at present

Audio documentation

no information at present

Visual documentation

no information at present

Institution/organisation involved in preservation and promotion

does not exist

Data provider

Ms. Laleh Taghian
Manager of publication
Center of Dramatic Arts
Address: Vahdat Hall, Ostad shahnar St., Hatez Ave., Tehran, Iran