‘Rostam and Sohrab’ Staged at Enqelab Complex

TEHRAN -- The tragedy of Rostam and Sohrab, a part of the Persian epic Shahnameh by Ferdowsi, is being staged at Tehran’s Enqelab Athletic Complex by Hussein Parsaei.

Parsaei, who has previously directed productions such as ‘Esfandiar’s Seven Labors’ and ‘Oliver Twist,’ said he has always been drawn to the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings), Iran’s national epic poem.
Parsaei said the tale of ‘Battle of Rostam and Sohrab ’ holds a special significance for Iranians, striking a deep chord with the nation’s people.
“The people of Iran love the stories of Shahnameh, and we have tried to bring this story to life in a way that is both visually stunning and emotionally powerful,” Parsaei said. “We have used all of the latest technology, including animation, lighting, and special effects, to create a truly immersive experience for the audience.”
Parsaei acknowledged that the production has been expensive, but he believes that it is worth it. “I don’t think about the cost of the production when I’m working on a project,” he said. “I just want to create something that is beautiful and meaningful. And I believe that this production is something special.”
Parsaei said that the high-ticket price is necessary to cover the costs of the production, which includes a cast and crew of over 300 people.
“I know that the ticket price is high, but I believe that it is worth it,” Parsaei said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I think that people will be willing to pay a premium to see it.”
Parsaei also emphasized the importance of government support for the arts. 
“In other countries, the government supports the arts and provides funding for productions like this one,” he said. “But in Iran, we don’t have that kind of support. We have to rely on private investors to make productions like this possible.”
Despite the challenges, Parsaei is optimistic about the future of the arts in Iran. “I believe that there is a lot of talent and creativity in this country, and I think that with the right support, we can create something truly special,” he said.