Iran establishes home video network for theatricals

TEHRAN,May 21(MNA) -- Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance established a home video network for theatricals. Theatrical performances recorded in CDs will be offered through the network, which has been entitled Theater at Home. Deputy Culture Minister for Artistic Affairs Hamid Shahabadi and a number of thespians attended a ceremony to introduce the network. “At present, theatricals are not able to make a close connection with people,” Shahabadi said at the ceremony held at the main hall of Tehran’s City Theater Complex on Saturday evening. He said that the network was set up to establish this connection and to raise people’s theatrical taste. A total of 31 out of 300 videos of theatrical performances reviewed by the Culture Ministry are currently available at the network’s stores, Theater at Home director Ali-Akbar Qazinezam said at the ceremony. Veteran actor and stage director Davud Rashidi also addressed the audience and questioned whether the network can be helpful in promoting theater. “How can Theater at Home help live theater?,” Rashidi asked. He doubted if the network could boost box office for theaters. Rashidi asked Shahabadi to better assess the network before it is expanded