When the stages fall silent
“Violation of the Rights of Theater Artists in Iran”
Reports show that pressure on theater artists in Iran has intensified in recent years. These pressures include summons and arrests, dismissals due to cultural criticisms, sudden cancellation of permits, unofficial work bans, extensive censorship of performance texts, and heavy financial pressures on theater groups.
This situation continues while theater plays an important role in freedom of expression and social dialogue. Independent institutions warn that the continuation of this trend will lead to the silencing of creativity and thought across the country.
Security-based approaches, arbitrary arrests, and severe artistic restrictions indicate a serious violation of artists’ rights and disregard for Iran’s international human rights commitments.
Documented cases:
Aida Kiyani and Mohammad Yaghoubi
Two theater artists who were banned from working due to publishing critical demands on Instagram, and the performance of their works at the Iranshahr Theater Complex was canceled.
Houshmand Hekar and other theater activists
Following the publication of a list of more than 30 artists arrested during protests, they received security threats.
Gathering of protesting theater artists in front of the Islamic Consultative Assembly
At this gathering, artists, including Arash Ganji, were present and faced arrests and security suppressions.
Saeed Asadi and Maryam Kazemi
Due to performing the play “A Summer Night’s Dream” in Tehran, they were arrested and later released.
International Covenants on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
Article 15:
The right to participate in cultural life, the right to create artistic works, and support for scientific and artistic freedom.
UNESCO 2005 Convention
• Article 2: Protection of freedom and cultural and artistic diversity
• Article 3: Protection and promotion of diversity of cultural expressions, including the right to create and present artistic works
• Article 7: Guarantee of free participation in cultural and artistic activities without censorship or unlawful restrictions
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Article 9: Prohibition of arbitrary arrest
• Article 19: Freedom of expression
• Article 27: Right to create cultural works
Defense of Human Rights Association in Iran
Defense of Art and Artist Rights Committee
Translated by Alireza Jahan Bin
